Nyck de Vries will has earned a FP1 chance with Mercedes for the F1 French GP this weekend in place of Lewis Hamilton.
As part of the FIA regulations of providing FP1 chance to young drivers this year, Mercedes along with Hamilton has decided to give de Vries his first go in the 2022 car for this weekend in F1 French GP at Paul Ricard.
The Dutchman drives for Mercedes in Formula E and dovetails his racing commitments with simulator sessions for the team on F1 side. De Vries is also the team’s reserve driver along with Stoffel Vandoorne, with the two available to drive for other teams too.
De Vries already had one FP1 chance at Williams earlier in the season, but gets his first chance with Mercedes. He is likely to get another go with the German F1 outfit later in the year in place of George Russell.
“Third and fourth in Austria was a satisfying result for the whole team, particularly given the position we were in on Friday evening,” said Toto Wolff, looking ahead to the French GP. “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.
“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. 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.”
Here’s Toto Wolff on Haas’ results
Here’s Toto Wolff on cost cap
