Ricciardo move reflects AlphaTauri’s push for F1 experience

In other words, putting Ricciardo in the car is not just a case of short-term expediency and giving the Australian a chance to get up to speed ahead of a potential return to the main Red Bull team.

The change of direction is part of a reboot for AlphaTauri after a detailed analysis of its role within in the Red Bull camp, and a firm decision from the drinks company’s top management not to sell it.

It’s also tied to a change of identity that is coming for next season…