Competing for a steering wheel at Williams last year, Nyck de Vries finally has the opportunity to drive for the iconic Formula 1 team this weekend, at the Spanish Grand Prix. While the regulations now require teams to field a rookie twice during a first free practice session this season, Williams has set his sights on the reigning Formula E World Championwho also holds the role of reserve pilot Mercedes in the premier class.
“I am obviously very grateful for this chance to drive in EL1 and get to know the team, but also to show myself during a Formula 1 weekend”commented the interested party. “I haven’t really thought regarding any real goals, it’s only a one hour session and we only have three runs with two compounds [pneumatiques] different, which are poles apart. So it’s going to be very interesting, [c’est] an exciting challenge. I’m looking forward to this experience and hope to do well.”
Previously, De Vries was able to take the wheel of a Formula 1 car as part of the end-of-season tests reserved for rookies and organized in Abu Dhabi, in 2020 and 2021. At the wheel of the Mercedes W11 and W12, the Dutchman had showed very fast, signing in particular the best time of the first day of driving last year.
Now engaged in an official test session with Williams, De Vries did not wish to set any goals due to his lack of experience in the premier class. In addition, the Barcelona circuit will require additional adaptation time since it differs greatly from the narrow and tortuous routes usually taken in Formula E.
“In all honesty, I don’t really know what to expect”replied De Vries to Motorsport.com. “I think I’m going to be thrown into the mix, I’ve only driven an F1 twice, two rookie tests with Mercedes in 2020 and 2021. But it’s been a little while since the last time I drove an very fast car on a circuit, so it will take time to adapt to the urban circuits that we know [en Formule E].”
Nyck de Vries driving the Mercedes W12 at Abu Dhabi 2021 testing
