As a former F2 champion and winner of Formula E in 2021, there isn’t much else De Vries can conquer before an F1 team takes a chance on the Dutchman.
The 27-year-old is racing with Mercedes’ Formula E team at present and holds the role of being one of their reserve drivers. He has been dubbed Mercedes’ ‘insurance driver’ for when Hamilton eventually retires, although the 37-year-old’s recent comments suggest that won’t be happening in 2023.
With Aston Martin powered by Mercedes, De Vries may be tempted to make the first step onto the F1 ladder if offered the chance. But with competition rife from elsewhere, it remains possible he could miss out again.
Felipe Drugovich
The current F2 championship leader and next big talent to emerge from the ever-expanding pool of talent, the 22-year-old has been tipped to have a bright future in F1. Until Vettel’s announcement, Drugovich’s options for a seat next season were looking slim with the majority of seats already taken.
But the Brazilian, backed by his father’s spare parts company as a main sponsor, remains an attractive proposition. And clinching the F2 crown would be another feather in his cap if he is gunning for an F1 drive next season.
