Tim Coronel Slams Red Bull and AlphaTauri for Nyck de Vries’ Abrupt F1 Exit in 2023: A Detailed Analysis

In a surprising turn of events, Dutch racing driver Tim Coronel criticized Red Bull and AlphaTauri over Nyck de Vries’ sudden departure from Formula 1. Coronel’s pointed remarks highlight significant issues within the F1 teams, particularly concerning de Vries’ brief and challenging stint.

Key Takeaways:

• Tim Coronel’s Critique: Coronel suggests that despite Nyck de Vries’ proven talent and past championship victories in other motorsports, he was not provided a fair chance in F1. He specifically points out the inferior quality of the car given to de Vries, which he bluntly describes as a “sh**house on wheels.”
• De Vries’ Short-Lived F1 Career: De Vries’ tenure with the team was cut short after just 10 races, marked by underwhelming performances and errors. His departure led to the return of Daniel Ricciardo, whose contribution significantly differed from de Vries’, despite Yuki Tsunoda’s minimal points accumulation.
• AlphaTauri’s Late Season Resurgence: Following de Vries’ exit and the introduction of Ricciardo, AlphaTauri experienced a notable improvement, finishing eighth in the constructors’ championship. This resurgence was also supported by significant upgrades to the AT04 in the season’s latter half.

Dutch racer Nyck de Vries, after his remarkable achievements in the World Endurance Championship, F2, and Formula E, finally landed a full-time seat in Formula 1 at the age of 28. However, his career in F1 was short, as he was released from AlphaTauri after participating in only 10 races during the 2023 season. His replacement, Daniel Ricciardo, an eight-time grand prix winner, played a pivotal role in the team’s turnaround, contributing to their eighth-place finish in the constructors’ championship.

Tim Coronel, in his critique, emphasizes that de Vries deserved more time to demonstrate his capabilities in F1. He argues that the early-season performance of the team’s car did not fairly reflect de Vries’ potential. In an interview with Formule1.NL, Coronel stated:

“He performed immediately, but in those races things could have also gone well for Nyck. He just needed a little more time than he got. I am absolutely convinced that everything would have turned out fine for him. Let’s not forget that the car he got was a sh**house on wheels. He does theory first, then practice. A talent, a raw driver, like Max Verstappen or Oscar Piastri, does exactly the opposite. But that is also because Nyck has always been a test driver, in retrospect for too long. And finally, let’s not forget that Yuki Tsunoda is seriously fast. It’s better than most think. He was in his third year, fought for his last chance and rode with the knife between his teeth. You don’t just drive a boy like that away.”

In conclusion, Coronel’s candid remarks shed light on the complexities and challenges faced by drivers in Formula 1, highlighting the need for fair assessment and support for emerging talents like de Vries.