McLaren and Nyck de Vries part ways
Member of the McLaren young driver program since 2010, Dutch driver Nyck de Vries has confirmed he has parted ways with his now former employer.
Considered at the time as the rising star of motorsport, Nyck de Vries became the first driver to be part of McLaren’s young driver program in its current form. An alliance dating back to 2010. Neither party was likely very nostalgic when the divorce contract was signed.
Despite a strong final fourth place in the 2018 Formula 2 championship and no fewer than 4 victories, de Vries did not impress McLaren enough, who already have their hands full with Sergio Sette Camara, also a driver in the Formula 1 feeder series and a protégé of the British team. But mainly with their young talent Lando Norris who already seems to be convincing.
Nyck de Vries is excited about this new career path: « I’m no longer working on the simulator for McLaren. Being affiliated with another team? I can’t say anything more about that. Ultimately, it all depends on what I do here. That will have the most influence on my future, so I’m mainly focused on that. In Formula 2, the pressure is really on my shoulders. And I also want to feel that pressure and benefit from it. »
Currently in Formula 2 with ART Grand Prix, a leading team, de Vries has a lot to prove to gain the esteem of other structures and perhaps secure a seat in Formula 1 by 2020. With a second place in Baku and currently in fourth place in the standings, will the Dutch driver be able to prove his worth this season? It will also be interesting to see how the former McLaren protégé will perform in the WEC Endurance Championship aboard his LMP2.
