Sebastian Vettel admits something ‘brutal’ happened in Formula 1 this week

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Formula 1 legend Sebastian Vettel has admitted that the decision to replace Nyck de Vries with Daniel Ricciardo was slightly harsh.

Vettel was speaking to ITV at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this weekend.

The German driver left Formula 1 at the end of last season after a spell with Aston Martin.

He may be wondering if he left the sport a year too soon looking at how fast the team are now.

Fernando Alonso has jumped into his seat and already recorded six podiums this season.

The veteran Spaniard has arguably been the most impressive driver on the grid, but not everyone has performed as well.

In stark contrast to Alonso’s 368 races, the three rookies on the grid have enjoyed mixed starts to their F1 careers.

Oscar Piastri has impressed at McLaren and recorded a fantastic fourth-place finish at Silverstone last weekend.

After being promoted in F1 sooner than expected, Logan Sargeant has quickly got to grips with his Williams.

However, Nyck de Vries managed just 10 races for AlphaTauri let him go and Vettel has commented on his exit.

The Dutchman is bottom of the Drivers’ Championship right now and has been replaced by one of the sport’s most popular drivers.

Vettel thinks De Vries decision was harsh

Asked what he thought of Daniel Ricciardo replacing De Vries on the grid, Vettel said: “Twofold if I’m honest. I’m very happy for Daniel [Ricciardo], very happy.

“I like him, obviously I raced with him, and I met him at the test when I was shaking down the McLaren for this weekend. And I’m very, very happy for him.

“On the other hand, you have to be honest as well. It’s obviously a shame for Nyck [De Vries], the way it comes to an end. I think he was given a great chance.

“Maybe things didn’t happen for him the way he expected, or people expected. But it’s also a bit harsh when it comes to a very sudden stop like that. It’s brutal.”

Vettel will know all too well how difficult it can be to survive at AlphaTauri after Nyck de Vries departed this week.

He started his career with Red Bull’s junior team and managed to record the team’s first win in F1.

De Vries leaves the team without even scoring a point for the Italian team who now sit bottom of the Constructors’ Championship.

Ricciardo may have his work cut out scoring regular points in the slowest car on the grid.

However, he will give fans a barometer of just how much Yuki Tsunoda has improved midway through his third season in F1.