Nyck de Vries responds to criticism after a difficult start to the season
On the eve of the first laps on the Monaco circuit, the AlphaTauri driver reflected on his early career in Formula 1 and the latest rumors regarding his future.
Barely five races contested in 2023 and already on the hot seat. Nyck de Vries is experiencing a difficult start to his career as a full-time Formula 1 driver. His incredible debut race at Monza in 2022 with Williams now seems very far away. The Dutchman is also consistently being beaten by his teammate in races, despite being the only driver, along with Logan Sargeant, who has not yet scored any points in the championship.
A situation that recently sparked numerous rumors about a potential mid-season replacement of the Dutchman. On the sidelines of the Monaco Grand Prix taking place this weekend, the 2021 Formula E champion addressed this news.
These rumors do not surprise me. It’s part of Formula 1 and the world we live in. I only focus on my performances and what I think I can do best on the track.
Exactly, Max Verstappen’s compatriot acknowledges some mistakes in this early season: “It’s true that I made a few mistakes at the beginning of the year. I’m learning and moving forward. Moreover, I think I’ve shown a good pace at certain moments, which encourages me and also shows me that the potential is there. I sincerely believe that it’s just a matter of time to put everything together.”
To justify his difficulties, de Vries explains that he is always learning about how Formula 1 works: « Learning is very broad… how you structure your weekend, how to drive with different levels of fuel and different types of tires, the different engine modes, and adapting to race circumstances. It’s not just one thing that challenges you, but it’s my job and I try to give my best. »
De Vries will therefore have a new opportunity to prove that he deserves his place at AlphaTauri this weekend in Monaco.
