Nyck de Vries wants to finally make his first full season in Formula 1 next year. Despite the fact that De Vries himself doesn’t talk so much about choices because “It doesn’t work like that in Formula 1” he could count on interest from various teams after replacing Alex Albon at Monza.
Why did he finally become an AlphaTauri driver and what about Alpine F1 and Williams? De Vries himself provides his explanations.
Regarding the test at Alpine, the explanation is surprising and different from what was expected. We thought his test in Hungary was linked to his performance at Monza, but that’s not true.
“We had planned the test with Alpine long before Monza. You may have had different interpretations of this, but in reality I have already been to Alpine for a simulation session before Spa. I am particularly grateful for this opportunity, because this year I had the opportunity to test several F1. The test day was quite short but it went well and the Hungaroring is one of my favorite circuits anyway. always good. Alpine had been in conversation with me since Fernando announced his departure for Aston Martin F1 but it didn’t come to fruition as they were clearly tracking Pierre Gasly. »
Everything accelerated after Monza obviously.
« Publicly it certainly is and I won’t deny that Monza have played a very important role. But of course I’ve been part of the driver market in F1 since my Formula E world title. Last year, there was also a chance at Williams, »he recalls when the seat finally went to Alexander Albon.
“So I always had conversations in the background. When the story with Oscar Piastri kicked off just before the summer break and Alonso announced he was going to Aston Martin, the whole crazy season started. Monza cleared the question marks that people might still have. That weekend the stars were aligned. »
So of course the questions arise as to why De Vries ultimately opted for the opportunity at AlphaTauri. Williams was also very interested in his services.
“The most logical choice is often the best choice in the end,” replies De Vries.
« During such a crazy season for transfers, you are in conversation with different teams and during those conversations it becomes clear which is the best option. »
When asked “why AlphaTauri made the most sense” De Vries suggests that Faenza’s formation has the best of both worlds.
« Of course they are considered a sister team to Red Bull and technically there is a strong bond, also in the sharing of things. In that respect I think we have a good structure to be competitive. At the same time, you see that due to the budget cap and other developments all the teams are working on their own with their own goals. This gives opportunities and on top of that the strong Italian DNA of this team also attracts me. I spent my childhood in Italy, so I feel at home there. This team also has a kind of family feeling. »
« As for Williams… It is of course no secret that I have a good relationship with Jost Capito and with the whole team. Of course I was also a reserve driver for Williams for two years in addition to my role at Mercedes, so you automatically build a bond. »
« In that regard, we always had good conversations, but in the end, AlphaTauri was the best option for me moving forward. »
« We have always been honest between Jost and me and in the end I have to see what is best for me. At Williams they are professional enough to appreciate that and in the end our relationship is always good. »
