F1 News: Jost Capito on Nyck de Vries’ 2023 chances at Williams
Nyck de Vries has asserted himself as a part of the F1 driver market, with only a few seats available for next season.
One of these vacancies is at Williams, the team who can thank the Dutchman for securing a fantastic P9 finish in Monza to increase the constructors’ points total.
Despite being forced to adapt to the FW44 in just one free practice session, De Vries comprehensively outperformed Nicholas Latifi to demonstrate he is a viable option for the Grove-based team.
Williams CEO and team principal Jost Capito discussed the team’s options for 2023, telling f1-insider his thoughts on De Vries’ performance:
“He did everything absolutely without mistakes and very professionally as if he had been in the car all year.
“These cars are very complex and difficult to drive. Just jumping in like that is a completely different thing, simulator or now.
“On the cool-down lap, he told me on the radio that he could hardly move his shoulders and couldn’t feel anything anymore.
“He’s certainly not a bad option, but of course, he also has other commitments. Then you have to see what is possible for him in the future.
“Nyck showed what I personally expected from him because I know him. And he even exceeded what can be expected.
“At the moment, there are still so many balls in the air. You have to let the dust settle first and then sort it out. There are a lot of good opportunities and a lot of youngsters who are moving up and deserve a chance too.
“The young drivers that follow are sensational, so the choice is really difficult.”
The 27-year-old maximised his opportunity in the FW44 last weekend, but only time will tell whether De Vries is being seriously considered by Williams for an F1 drive next season.
