Max Verstappen (Red Bull) apparently played a role in the 2023 F1 driver deal with Nick de Vries and AlphaTauri.
Prior to qualifying for the F1 Japan GP, AlphaTauri announced that it would appoint De Vries, who replaced Alex Albon at the Italian GP in early September, as a replacement for Pierre Guthrie, who will transfer to Alpine.
Team principal Franz Tost admitted that his debut performance at Monza was “a big factor”.
After qualifying on pole position at Suzuka, Verstappen revealed that he dined with De Vries following the Monza weekend and suggested he call Red Bull Racing motorsport adviser Helmut Marko. .
“We are good friends and following Monza we had dinner together and I said to him: ‘By the way, call him[Marco]’.
“I think I called at the right time and Helmut was still excited following the race on Monday, so it worked out.”
Helmut Marko seems to have made a quick decision and Verstappen explained: “I don’t think there was any discussion following Monza.”
“If Helmut likes it, he’s the kind of person who will dare to put it in the car. Other teams may be a little more cautious.”
Verstappen was delighted to see his fellow Dutch senior driver’s dream come true.
“It’s great news for him. He’s been chasing it for a long time and finally got the chance.”
“I’m really happy when I think of him.”
