F1 is more than just winning. It is also a glimmer of hope for many drivers around the world. Scoring points on your F1 debut is a distinct dream for many drivers. However, Mercedes reserve driver Nyck de Vries turned that dream into a reality in Monza.

Nyck de Vries wouldn’t have expected to have such an eventful first race in F1. He got a last-minute call to race for Williams as Alex Albon was unwell. Nyck grabbed the opportunity with both hands and out-qualified his teammate Nicholas Latifi in his debut race to eventually finish P9.

The Mercedes reserve driver also impressed Toto Wolff who heaped praise on the Dutchman’s excellent performance. Toto said, “I don’t think that anyone else could have possibly done a better job than what he did.”

“You’re in an Aston Martin you were driving around with a rake and then you were being drafted in last minute in a different car, you’re beating your team mate by quite a margin, starting eighth and you’re finishing ninth.”

He added, “Niki would have taken his hat off as a driver.”

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The Dutch driver also earned plaudits from his colleagues after delivering William’s best race finish since Miami. He sternly defended Zhou Guanyu’s persistent attacks before pulling away from the Chinese.

After a ‘dream’ first race, Nyck will be in demand for a seat next year. Williams is among the few teams who don’t have a confirmed line-up yet and they might be considering de Vries after his performance.

Mercedes ace Lewis Hamilton congratulates Nyck De Vries after an impressive debut

From testing the Aston Martin on Friday to racing for Williams on Saturday and Sunday, Nyck de Vries sure enjoyed a fantastic weekend. The former F2 and FE champion showed great determination and persistence and earned the plaudits of his colleagues.

Nyck is currently Mercedes’ reserve driver and he earned their star driver’s praise after the race. Lewis Hamilton said, “Oh, incredibly happy for Nyck, and really proud of him, He’s such a good lad, a good human, he’s been a good part of our team working with us.”

Sir Lewis added, “I hope Albon is OK, I know he’s gone through a hard weekend, but for Nyck to have jumped in and finish in the top ten in his first race, that’s mega for your first race since ages.”

The Dutchman started the race in P8 alongside his compatriot Max Verstappen and finished the race in P9.

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It was a Hollywood debut for Nyck de Vries as he raced a fabulous maiden F1 race. The chances of him driving again in Singapore are fairly slim. However, he has surely left a mark on other teams looking for a driver for next year. Will Nyck de Vries get an F1 seat for next year?