F1 News: Max Verstappen Breaks Silence On "Sad" Nyck de Vries Firing

The Scuderia AlphaTauri driver Nyck De Vries' contract was terminated with immediate effect on performance grounds as the former Formula 2 and Formula E world champion failed to score points for the team.

Though the ending was abrupt, not many on the paddock were surprised considering parent company Red Bull's past record of 'sudden changes'. On the other hand, Daniel Ricciardo was eager to end his career as an F1 driver with Red Bull and was expected to replace Sergio Perez. However, Red Bull Team Boss Christian Horner had clarified that they weren't keeping the Perez seat for Ricciardo.

Instead, Ricciardo eventually went on to replace Nyck De Vries at AlphaTauri. The Australian F1 driver will find himself on the grid after an eight-month gap in his career. Unfortunately for Nyck De Vries, the Dutch driver finds himself at a dead end in Formula 1 as of now. The Formula E route is something he could still opt for.

Welcoming Ricciardo but feeling "sad" for Vries, Max Verstappen has expressed his thoughts on the sudden change during the drivers' press conference ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix. He said:

"It's great to have Daniel [Ricciardo] back on the grid within the family.

"On the other side, I am good friends with Nyck, so it's also sad to see him go. But unfortunately, that's how this world works.

"I don't think there are any hard feelings between the drivers. The opportunity is here with Daniel again, he has had his little reset, so I think he is ready to go again."

🗣️ | 🇭🇺 Max on Nyck De Vries' F1 exit

"Sad to see him go. But unfortunately that's how this world works.

I don't think there's any hard feelings, that's just how it goes."

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Daniel Ricciardo had to take part in the Pirelli Tire test at Silverstone to prove to the Red Bull team boss that he still has the racing driver's DNA in him.