'De Vries receives deadline Marko: four more races to improve'

30 June 2023 at 15:51

Last update 30 June 2023 at 18:40

Nyck de Vries is still pointless after eight GPs in Formula 1. The Dutchman has yet to make the most of the AT04 and so time is running out for him. After all, how much patience does Helmut Marko still have with the rookie? If Sky Sports is to be believed, not very much anymore.

In the preview of qualifying on Sky Sports, F1 journalist Simon Lazenby reported that Marko would have made it known to De Vries that he has four more races to show progression. If the 28-year-old driver fails to do so, chances are that another driver will take over De Vries' seat after the summer break.

Before the summer break, races are still scheduled in Austria, Britain, Hungary and Belgium. According to Lazenby, Marko will then take stock and decide whether there is still enough confidence to let De Vries finish the season.

Ricciardo or Lawson?

Red Bull with reserve driver Daniel Ricciardo someone ready to take over De Vries' seat. Another candidate is Liam Lawson. The 21-year-old driver is racing this season in Japanese Super Formula, the same class where Pierre Gasly also gained experience a few years ago before making his debut in the pinnacle of motorsport.

Dennis Hauger and Ayumu Iwasa, two Red Bull juniors currently competing in Formula 2, have not yet accumulated enough super licence points to enter AlphaTauri mid-season. However, with good performances in F2, they are contenders for a 2024 seat with the Faenza-based team.