The ‘completely different function’ AlphaTauri is serving amid Perez doubts

AlphaTauri is serving a special function by fielding Daniel Ricciardo amid doubts over Sergio Perez’s future at Purple Bull, believes ex-Formulation 1 driver Pedro de la Rosa.

Perez has endured a troublesome season alongside Max Verstappen this yr, regardless of profitable two of the opening 4 Grands Prix.

After his robust begin, Perez endured a troublesome run of type which allowed his team-mate to streak away within the Drivers’ Championship.

Halfway by the marketing campaign, AlphaTauri parted methods with Nyck de Vries and signed Daniel Ricciardo, who has additionally been retained for subsequent season.

At 34 years of age, Ricciardo is properly past the typical age for a driver who’s normally positioned in Purple Bull’s sister workforce, which has historically nurtured younger F1 expertise.

Ricciardo providing ‘cowl’ for Purple Bull

Nonetheless, Perez’s contract at Purple Bull expires on the finish of subsequent yr, with some speculating that he could possibly be ousted from the workforce for Ricciardo.

De la Rosa shares that view, suggesting that Ricciardo has a spot at AlphaTauri to maintain him contemporary within the situation that he’s introduced again to Purple Bull.

“What [Christian Horner, Red Bull Team Principal] stated was very attention-grabbing,” de la Rosa advised the F1 Nation podcast.

“He stated that after the Silverstone Grand Prix there was a take a look at. And Daniel, I believe he stated 11 laps, he did occasions able to being within the high 5 on the grid for the British Grand Prix.

“That gave Daniel an opportunity in AlphaTauri given the truth that they need to be lined, simply in case no matter occurred with Checo.

“If they’d no doubts that Checo can be near Max, then they would not have taken Daniel.

“However the truth that they don’t seem to be positive what can occur sooner or later, that’s that is a bit what Christian advised us.

“So all in all, what I am saying is the AlphaTauri workforce is supposed to provide younger drivers alternatives, sure, however I believe that they’re utilizing it for a special function at this second in time.”