F1 French GP: Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has affirmed that Nyck de Vries will be allowed his opportunity to dazzle this end of the week at the French Grand Prix by replacing Lewis Hamilton in the first practice session. De Vries was at first signed to McLaren’s young driver program back in 2010 before joining Mercedes as a reserve driver last year. Follow Formula 1 and French GP LIVE updates with InsideSport.IN
Reviewing this end of the week’s race in France while likewise thinking back on the group’s work in Austria, Wolff said, “Third and fourth in Austria was a satisfying result for the whole team, particularly given the position we were in on Friday evening.”
This weekend @nyckdevries will be taking the wheel of W13 for FP1. 👊
Lewis has chosen this weekend to fulfil the first of two young driver sessions required by all teams this season. George has selected one later in the year. pic.twitter.com/aNimIvCClU
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) July 20, 2022
“The team worked miracles to have two complete race cars ready for the Sprint and Grand Prix. 27 points on Sunday were a good reward for that effort. We scored three podiums in the first seven races, and we have now achieved four in the last four. I’m pleased with the momentum we are building, and it reflects the mammoth effort of the team. Our understanding of the W13 is growing with every lap and it’s encouraging to see that reflected in our development and results,” Wolff added.
“While we were quicker in Austria, we still weren’t quick enough to challenge at the front. We need to keep chasing those final few tenths and bringing new developments to the cars, including this weekend in France. Paul Ricard is a very different track and challenge. It has smooth tarmac and a wide range of corner types, along with long straights,” Wolff further added.
“The aim will be to make further inroads on the gap to the front and hopefully be back on the podium. Nyck is replacing Lewis in first practice this weekend, as part of the allocated sessions for young drivers this year. So, we’re looking forward to seeing how he gets on,” Wolff concluded.
The 2019 F2 champion was tipped for a seat in F1 the next year. However, ended up joining the Formula E Championship for Mercedes. He proceeded to come out on top for the Formula E Championship in his second year and is presently looking to make his name in F1.
🏆 NYCK DE VRIES IS THE 2019 FORMULA 2 CHAMPION pic.twitter.com/AFsPDylG3G
— F1 Feeder Series (@F1FeederSeries1) September 28, 2019
The 27-year-old made his F1 practice debut this year itself when he substituted Alex Albon for FP1 at the Spanish Grand Prix. After De Vries’ outing in Barcelona, the Dutchman was portrayed as Wolff’s ‘insurance contract’ should Hamilton quit F1.
🚨 Nyck De Vries will drive for Williams during practice at the Spanish GP this weekend 🇪🇸 He will be taking Albon’s seat for FP1 #F1 #Formula1 #SpanishGP #Williams #NyckDeVries #Motorsport pic.twitter.com/qWLN7Z1h7q
— Motorsport.com (@Motorsport) May 16, 2022
New guidelines set up for 2022 mean each group should allow youngsters an opportunity in no less than two FP1 sessions. Mercedes have now affirmed that Hamilton will surrender his seat this end of the week for De Vries while George Russell will move aside later in the year.
