via Getty
MIAMI, FLORIDA – MAY 05: Nyck de Vries of Netherlands, Mercedes Test & Reserve Driver, walks in the Paddock during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Miami at the Miami International Autodrome on May 05, 2022 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Clive Mason – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)
via Getty
MIAMI, FLORIDA – MAY 05: Nyck de Vries of Netherlands, Mercedes Test & Reserve Driver, walks in the Paddock during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Miami at the Miami International Autodrome on May 05, 2022 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Clive Mason – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)
F1 mandated that every team get drivers from the junior program to drive in two Friday Practice sessions. So, Williams will have the Formula E driver Nyck De Vries driving for them in the FP1 of the Spanish Grand Prix instead of Alex Albon.
The team can confirm that @nyckdevries will take part in FP1 on Friday, fulfilling one of the two mandated young driver sessions this season 👍
— Williams Racing (@WilliamsRacing) May 16, 2022
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The upcoming Spanish GP FP1 session would be the second time for the Dutchman on an F1 grid. De Vries’s F1 debut with Mercedes back in 2020 when De Vries took part in the FP1 session of the Abu Dhabi GP for the Silver Arrows. Further, Mercedes are already looking for an F1 seat for De Vries. This junior driver session solidifies the rumors about his ties to the Grove-based team in the future.
Fans react to Nyck de Vries FP1 session with Williams
Many fans trolled the Dutchman being part of a junior driver session despite being 27-year-old. Because the main Williams drivers are younger than the Formula E driver. But some fans supported the driver and even compared to Nigel Mansell’s age when the F1 legend started driving in this sport.
nyck de vries turning up to the young driver FP session pic.twitter.com/OTr0aF3ZFj
— kat ❁ (@honey_ricc) May 16, 2022
But Nick de Vries is not a young driver https://t.co/eDwklrF28x
— 🐘🩺🔬 (@ek_Bamzok) May 16, 2022
“Young driver test” he’s older than both your drivers
— Ed (@EDmAFCOKC) May 16, 2022
Still can’t believe devries is 27, it just doesn’t register in my head for reason. He looks Landos age
— Benj (@benjdiscusses) May 16, 2022
There's no age limit. Basically anyone can be in the program if they haven't raced in F1 yet (I read somewhere that the driver could race in 2 GPs and still be allowed to participate)
— lucas (@_kipachu) May 16, 2022
Mind you, he’s right around the age Nigel Mansell was when he started in F1.
— P (@BigBadP) May 16, 2022
Aside from Nyck de Vries’s age, fans are also debating about the Dutchman deserving a seat in F1. Fans are showcasing their rejection on just an FP1 session instead of Nicholas Latifi’s replacement as the Canadian is having a poor season. One fan even claimed the 21-year-old Logan Sargeant should get this opportunity instead of De Vries.
Another f2 champion that should have had an f1 seat ages ago
— V4nill4Knight (@V4nill4Knight) May 16, 2022
Money talks mate, not talent, he’s probably better than a few drivers on the grid, but they have money or ties
— Andy ⚒️ (@AndyWHU99) May 16, 2022
Sargeant robbed
— Kov (@serkov43) May 16, 2022
For a second i thought this was a mid season Latifi replacement announcement
— Terrapog (@terrapog) May 16, 2022
Announce him as Latifis replacement
— 𝙃𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙮 (@teamLHarry) May 16, 2022
Honestly have no idea how Latifi still has a seat
— Nick Houlton (@Houlton11) May 16, 2022
Nyck De Vries on his FP1 session in the Spanish GP
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The 27-year-old is one of the most talented drivers, as he won the F2 championship and is the reigning Formula E world champion. Undoubtedly, he would showcase some excellent driving skills when Nyck gets behind the wheels of the FW44. The driver is happy to have this opportunity.
via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Pre-Season Testing – Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain – February 23, 2022, Williams’ Nicholas Latifi during testing REUTERS/Albert Gea
“Firstly, I’d really like to thank Williams for the opportunity to run in FP1. It’s great for me to get to know the team and drive the FW44, and also to get myself out on track during a Formula One weekend.” De Vries shared, “Preparation for the test is going well so far, and the team has been incredibly supportive of me. I’m very much looking forward to the whole experience in Spain now!”
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It would be fascinating to see what the Formula E world champion does at the Spanish GP this week. What do you expect from Nyck De Vries?
