Ricciardo is to return to the Grid this weekend with AlphaTauri

Eight-time grand prix winner, Daniel Ricciardo, would be racing for the first time this season at the Hungarian Grand Prix after he was recently appointed as a driver. His appointment follows the sacking of Nyck de Vries, who failed to win any points for the team after 10 races. 

Ricciardo has not raced since leaving McLaren at the end of last season and, up till his recent appointment, was a reserve driver for Red Bull. Now, he returns to the driver’s seat with Red Bull’s sister team, Alpha Tauri, a team he has driven for before earlier in his career. 

Speaking on its appointment, Alpha Tauri team boss Franz Tost said the team would benefit from Ricciardo’s experience, and there was no doubt about his driving skill: “I’m very pleased to welcome Daniel back into the team.

“There’s no doubt about his driving skill, and he already knows many of us, so his integration will be easy and straightforward. The team will also profit a lot from his experience, as he is an eight-time Formula 1 grand prix winner.”

Alpha Tauri is currently last in the constructors standings, with only 2 points won so far. Last season, they finished 9th with 35 points. It is clear that Ricciardo has his work cut out for him as he joins the team. 

On that aspect, the 34-year-old has revealed that the challenge is something he is quite excited about, and he would not have it any other way: “I’m excited about it. It’s a challenge for sure to jump in and try to hit the ground running.

“But also, I guess I feel like I’ve been through a lot in the last few years where I’m not really scared of anything that’s going to be thrown my way – so I actually really do like the challenge. It will be a challenge, but I don’t know if I’d have it any other way.”

Leon Osamor