Thanks to his good performance in Italy, Nyck de Vries could secure a seat in Formula 1 in 2023
The Dutch driver Nyck de Vries made a strong impression during his first (completely improvised) weekend in Formula 1. Does this secure him a seat for next season?
With his first Q2 session on Saturday and his first points in F1 on Sunday, Nyck de Vries made a big impression in his first Grand Prix at Monza. And to think that he only had the FP3 to prepare for Alex Albon’s car, who had emergency surgery for appendicitis.
In the face of this impressive level – and the quite disappointing one of Nicholas Latifi – voices are increasingly rising to see the Dutch driver land in Formula 1 next season. On Saturday, Lewis Hamilton was already loudly proclaiming that de Vries deserves his place in 2023. But does he even stand a chance?
Interviewed by Motorsport.com, Nyck de Vries agrees with the seven-time world champion, but admits that the situation is not in his hands. “I think I wouldn’t be on the grid if I didn’t deserve it, but we are always expected to do a good job and it’s not up to me to decide the drivers lineup. This world of F1 is very volatile and it’s not just about merit. So, it’s out of my control.”
What options are there for Nyck de Vries in Formula 1?
The first option that presents itself to him, and the one that seems the most credible after his performances this weekend, is indeed Williams. And according to the team boss Jost Capito, the Formula E champion has every chance: « He did everything absolutely without errors and in a very professional manner as if he had been in the car all year. These cars are very complex and difficult to drive. Jumping in like that, it’s a completely different thing, in a simulator or live »,” said Jost Capito to German media F1-Insider.
The boss, however, tempers the enthusiasm of the public by indicating that it is not enough to be good to obtain a contract. He emphasizes the other obligations of the pilot: He is still on the list, but he also has other commitments. It depends on him, but he has shown what he can do in F1 and I wasn’t surprised, he said of the Dutchman, currently a reserve driver for Mercedes.
In Formula E, Nyck de Vries could also sign with Mareati, who will make their big comeback in motorsport next season. It remains to be seen if Williams has not already signed another driver (a certain Mick Schumacher?), but that is only speculation at the moment. We can say that the shadow of the Piastri affair is definitely hanging over the grid…
Alpine and Haas, credible choices for Nyck de Vries?
What are the other options available to the new darling of F1? Seats are still available at Alpine and Haas, but here too, there will be tough competition. The names of F2 driver Jack Doohan and IndyCar racer Colton Herta are already circulating. [Link: Alpine testing for several rookies]
“>the latter will indeed take a test with Alpine in Hungary… just like Nyck de Vries.”
As for Haas, nothing suggests that Mick Schumacher will not sign for a new season, while other big names are in the running for the second seat: Daniel Ricciardo, Nico Hülkenberg, and Antonio Giovinazzi.
The future of Nyck de Vries in F1 is currently conditional, but he will be eager to indicate his availability in order to prove his talent once again. He will also be present in Singapore as a reserve driver, if Alex Albon’s unavailability is extended due to his operation.
