“Extraordinary How Shameless Some People Are”: Debutant Nyck De Vries Gets Painfully Honest About F1 Fame

Success can not only transform an athlete, but it can also change the demeanor of surrounding people. It seems Nyck de Vries, 27, who is scheduled to make his debut in 2023, has experienced the same thing. As success brings fame, that, according to the Dutchman, brings with it unwanted attention from some “shameless” people.

After serving as Mercedes’ reserve driver for two years, the Dutchman finally got to participate in an F1 race at Monza when he filled in for Alex Albon at the Williams. De Vries’s performance astounded the Red Bull team, who eventually found themself looking for Pierre Gasly’s replacement at AlphaTauri. As a result, he was given a seat at Red Bull’s sister team. And now that De Vries is set to make his debut with AlphaTauri after being rejected by F1, four times, those who may have laughed at him appear to have changed their minds.

Talking to De Telegraaf, the Dutchman said “It’s extraordinary how shameless some people are. Guys I hadn’t heard of in a long time, or who weren’t exactly my biggest supporters, suddenly got back to me.”

The 27-year-old, however, desires to earn respect by performing, “Anyway, I don’t worry about how I am perceived by the outside world. This will be my first year in Formula 1. I would like to command respect through my performance and not by what I say on television. I will remain the same guy as before, in that regard, nothing will change.”

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It appears that the stars have aligned for Nyck de Vries to succeed after finishing ninth at Monza. He has swiftly developed into a far more recognizable face within the paddock as a result of manifesting his sheer skills on the F1 tracks.

Nyck de Vries opens up on how his life changed after the Monza race and the AlphaTauri signing

The success of Nyck de Vries says one thing: one needs to seize every opportunity that life presents. The 27-year-old driver who took the place of Alex Albon at Williams not only finished within points but also outperformed his teammate for the day, Nicholas Latifi. Since then, his fame has grown significantly. And his talent has been recognized with a seat at AlphaTauri.

In Mexico City, de Vries spoke with Motorsports.com and explained, “Things have changed a bit since Monza. Last night I was almost besieged at my hotel and this morning they even had to call in security. I’m living my dream, this is what I have worked all my life for. This is what I am enjoying, of course. This is what I have done everything for. The realization of all that has happened and all that is going to happen is there, but will perhaps come more during the winter months.”

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De Vries’ efforts have finally paid off, and in a few months, he will be behind the wheel of an F1 car as a full-time driver. Do you think he has what it takes to become another Dutchman to conquer Formula 1?