Daniel Ricciardo is not in the frame to replace Nyck de Vries at AlphaTauri, with the rumour being shut down amid a series of attention on the subject.
Earlier this week, various reports outlined that ex-Red Bull and McLaren F1 driver Ricciardo could soon jump into a vacancy at AlphaTauri.
The reports suggested that Red Bull was unhappy with de Vries’ form at the start of his F1 career alongside Yuki Tsunoda.
The rumour was also fuelled by speculation that he had visited AlphaTauri’s headquarters in Faenza to have a seat fitting.
However, it has been stated that “no conversations have taken place” between the two parties.
ESPN reports that Ricciardo was in the region to attend the wedding of Scotty James and Chloe Stroll – James is an Australian snowboarder, while Stroll is the sister of Aston Martin F1 driver Lance.
The report also added that Ricciardo did have a seat fitting prior to the Miami Grand Prix – but this was because Liam Lawson was not attending the race.
Lawson is the designated reserve driver for Red Bull and AlphaTauri this year, but is also racing full-time in the Japanese Super Formula Championship.
It is believed that the New Zealand driver would be the prime candidate to replace de Vries should the Dutchman be dropped.
Ricciardo, meanwhile, has hinted that he is targeting a full-time return to the grid for 2024, but is unwilling to suit up with an uncompetitive team.
It leaves his options limited, with Red Bull and Ferrari tied up for next year, while Lewis Hamilton is expected to sign an extension to remain at Mercedes beyond 2023.
Source: Read More