Nyck de Vries: Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen hail F1 hopefuls as Red Bull rumors explode for 2023
Nyck de Vries confirmed he met with Red Bull mentor Helmut Marko last week, with the Dutchman as a candidate to replace Pierre Gasly at AlphaTauri; Mercedes insists their reserve force – who shone at the Italian GP as Alex Albon’s replacement – deserves a seat in Formula 1
Last Updated: 09/20/22 9:34 am
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Max Verstappen and George Russell offer some advice to Nyck de Vries after his impressive Formula One debut at the Italian Grand Prix
Max Verstappen and George Russell offer some advice to Nyck de Vries after his impressive Formula One debut at the Italian Grand Prix
Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have praised Nyck de Vries for his performance on his Formula 1 debut, with rumors swirling that the Dutch driver is eyeing a full-time race seat next year. 2023.
De Vries, filling in Alex Albon as he battled appendicitis, proved an excellent vice-captain at the Italian GP as he managed Williams’ final result of the season in ninth place, hitting defeated seasoned teammate Nicholas Latifi.
It’s been a long time coming for De Vries, who has won Formula 2 and Formula E titles in his established career but has patiently waited to step up from his Mercedes reserve duty in F1.
“Extremely happy for Nyck, I am really proud of him,” said Mercedes driver Hamilton at Monza. “He’s a good guy, a good human being, and he’s a good part of the team that worked with us.
“For Nyck who jumped in and finished in the top 10, that’s huge for your first race.”
Nyck de Vries (right) celebrates with Williams boss Jost Capito after the Italian GP
His Dutch counterpart and world championship leader Max Verstappen also praised “great friend” De Vries, 27.
Verstappen said: “For Nyck to be able to participate and perform this performance is certainly not easy at all. “I think he did a great job from the things I saw, as well as on the defensive side.
“He always keeps his composure, doesn’t make mistakes and I’m happy when he scores. Of course, that’s impressive in your first race.”
‘He deserves the F1 seat’ – and can De Vries finish at AlphaTauri?
De Vries, who has been driving practice for Mercedes this season after leading the Silver Arrows to last year’s Formula E title, has long been linked with a chair for 2023 – and there have been developments. The growth since his F1 debut shows that he can be good at being online full time.
Understandably, linked to Williams, De Vries is said to be being lined up for the test by Alpine as they weigh options for an empty seat, while Red Bull and AlphaTauri also appear to have joined in. competition.
German Publishing Motorsport-Total reported that Red Bull – after moving in from IndyCar star Colton Herta due to super-luxury issues – was eyeing De Vries to replace Pierre Gasly at AlphaTauri.
De Vries has since confirmed in Dutch media that he met Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s advisor and driver transfer specialist, last Friday.
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Nyck de Vries says it feels like a ‘dream’ to finish ninth on his Formula 1 debut after heading into the match against Alex Albon in Williams
Given Gasly Alpine’s preferred pick for their aforementioned spot, Red Bull will want a driver who, while still young with potential, can run the ground with their sister outfit, and De Vries can fit the bill.
He will also be a popular choice in the lawn.
Hamilton’s Mercedes teammate George Russell said: “There’s no doubt he deserves a spot in Formula 1. “It’s just the way the sport is played. Not everyone has the opportunity. but surely now he’s proven all he has to do.”
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff added: “What else can he do in terms of performance? No training, jumping in a car he hasn’t driven… he has shown what he can. do.”
De Vries, told Sky Sports F1, said his future was out of his hands and said “not everything is based on merit”.
“Of course, I don’t have the power to decide any squad, so it’s not up to me. Again, I’m very grateful and happy that I took this opportunity and I was allowed to live. in this moment.
“In this world, not everything is based on performance and there are more factors that play a role in determining our squad. I’m glad I showed a little bit of myself this weekend.”
