Australian race driver Daniel Ricciardo is back in Formula One after it was confirmed that he will replace Nyck de Vries at Alpha Tauri for the rest of the season.

Dutchman de Vries leaves Red Bull’s sister team after just ten races after an abject start to his F1 career.

De Vries departs with zero points from his ten races in a season that has seen him consistently struggling and lot slower than team-mate Yuki Tsunoda. Ricciardo, who was racing for McLaren until the end of last season, will be back behind the wheel at the Hungarian Grand Prix on 23 July.

Announcing the Australian’s return to F1 Alpha Tauri’s team principal Franz Tost said: “I’m very pleased to welcome Daniel back into the team.

“There’s no doubt about his driving skill, and he already knows many of us, so his integration will be easy and straightforward.

“The team will also profit a lot from his experience, as he is an eight-time Formula 1 grand prix winner.

“I would like to thank Nyck for his valuable contribution during his time with Scuderia Alpha Tauri, and I wish him all the best for the future.”

For his part Ricciardo said he was very happy to be back in F1. “I’m stoked to be back on track with the Red Bull family,” he said.

An experienced driver, Ricciardo won seven grands prix for Red Bull between 2014 and 2018.