Why Mercedes Backed Nyck de Vries Deserves a Chance in Formula 1?

The silly season in F1 is boiling over with anticipation. A majority of the teams’ decisions are reliant on one thing- the Mercedes second seat. And if Russell makes the move, there’s a lot of shuffling sure to take place. In this, Formula E champion, Nyck de Vries’s name is being thrown around. Will the Dutch driver finally make it to the big league?

With his name in Alfa Romeo and Williams’ list of options, the likelihood of seeing de Vries in 2022 isn’t low. Williams driver Nicholas Latifi isn’t opposed to the idea of having Nyck as a teammate. “This year Nyck has also had another good year in Formula E. If he could get that second seat at Williams, and assuming I’m still there, he’d be a great teammate. He can step up to the level.” Formula 1 for sure.” (via Motorsport)- All quotes translated by google translate.

Latifi isn’t wrong. In winning the Formula E championship, Nyck de Vries proved his capabilities as a driver; one who could be on the F1 race track.

Nyck de Vries’ potential in F1

The man of the moment, George Russell, has praised de Vries’ efforts as a driver. Per Motorsport, he said, “I think Nyck is a fantastic driver. He is Formula 2 champion and a Formula E champion. He definitely has the speed, charisma, and attitude a Formula One driver needs.” (All quotes translated by google translate.)

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Having won the Formula E title, Nyck affirms the speed, charisma, and attitude Russell describes. Becoming the youngest champion in Formula E, the Dutchman made his name resound in the F1 paddock.

The final E Prix in Berlin didn’t seem to be on de Vries’ side. The weekend held a lot of bad luck for the driver who started the race on Sunday on P13. During the dramatic race, the Mercedes driver battled relentlessly to make his way to the points; which he did. Nyck finished the last race of the season in P8, claiming the title with a 7 point lead.

The tough season saw de Vries shine through and team principal Ian James was proud of his protege after the final race. “For Nyck, this is testimony to his driving throughout the season, his approach, his hard work, and also to the out-and-out racer that he truly is. Today, he drove with tenacity and with grit, which has resulted in the situation that we now happily find ourselves in.”

Everyone who has seen de Vries race holds him high in praise, and with reason. Nyck de Vries has fought and won a championship in his second season with the series. It’s that kind of mettle and zeal that could help him find success in F1.

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