Wolff wants to keep de Vries in the Mercedes family if he gets an F1 seat

After winning the Formula 2 title in 2019, De Vries teamed up with Mercedes and joined the Formula E works team before becoming the first world champion of the all-electric series this year.

It has sparked the Dutchman’s growing interest in an F1 drive over the next year, with ties to Alfa Romeo and Williams, who each have two vacancies. De Vries is currently one of Mercedes’ F1 reserve drivers alongside his Formula E team-mate Stoffel Vandoorne.

Red Bull reserve Alexander Albon will continue to attract the interest of both teams next year, which intertwines his future and that of de Vries.

Mercedes F1 boss Wolff said in Zandvoort on Friday that de Vries was an “extremely important member” of the German manufacturer’s Formula E squad, which had helped him get on in 2020-21 before his exit from the series next year To win a double title.

Wolff made it clear that while he wouldn’t stand in the way of de Vries to secure an F1 drive, he would like to make sure that the ex-McLaren junior stays part of the Mercedes family.

“I admired his decision back then after winning the F2 title: ‘I want to be part of a works team, and that’s why I’m going to Mercedes in Formula E instead of chasing after the dream in Formula 1. ‘”Said Wolff.

“Now is the time for people to recognize his talent and abilities, and that’s why we have conversations.

“But the most important thing for us is that it stays in the family. I don’t really want to lose him for another Formula E championship now, but I wouldn’t block him for Formula 1. “

Nyck de Vries, FE champion

Photo by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images

Wolff added that de Vries’ placement “revolves around Alex Albon, calling the Red Bull-affiliated youngster” the main protagonist in the moving chairs. “

“Nyck has a guaranteed seat in Formula E with us,” said Wolff.

“As I said, I would like him to be in Formula 1, but I don’t want to lose him for our Formula E campaign.”

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One of Williams’ seats is currently occupied by Mercedes junior George Russell, who is widely expected to be promoted to the senior squad for the next season.

Williams currently has a long-term contract to race with Mercedes power units and has strengthened its technical alliance since it came under new ownership last year.