F1 News, Reports and Race Results

De Vries sacking reflective of 'how Red Bull works' – Hamilton

Seven-time F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton says Nyck de Vries' sacking from AlphaTauri mid-season is just "how Red Bull works".

De Vries was unceremoniously replaced after the British Grand Prix by Daniel Riccardo who returns to the grid this weekend in Hungary and who will see out the remainder of the season with AlphaTauri.

Red Bull said that its decision to oust de Vries was rooted in the latter's lack of improvement over the course of his ten races with the Faenza-based outfit.

Asked if he felt that Red Bull's decision to part ways with de Vries after such a relatively brief period was unfair, Hamilton believed that it was.

"Yep. That’s how Red Bull do it," said Hamilton, who worked with de Vries during the Dutchman's spell with the Brackley squad a development driver. "I’d say that’s how Red Bull works."

"I was definitely surprised to see the decision they took with poor Nyck.

"He’s such a talented young man and such a nice guy as well, so I think his future is still bright for him and he’ll have lots of great options, I’m sure."

While taken aback by de Vries' getting the axe, Hamilton was not surprised by Ricciardo's return to the fray.

"Not really, because he has been in every drivers’ briefing this year," the Briton said.

"He’s in the drivers’ briefing but not actually competing. That’s very rare, you don’t often see the reserve driver in the drivers’ briefings. But I’m not surprised to see him back."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

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