From Formula 1 to WEC: Nyck De Vries’ Remarkable Journey with Toyota

In the fast-paced world of Formula 1, drivers often find themselves navigating a complex web of opportunities and decisions. This year, Nyck De Vries, the 28-year-old Dutch racing sensation, has taken a remarkable journey that has brought him full circle back to Toyota for the upcoming World Endurance Championship (WEC) season. While 2022 saw him as the reserve driver for the Toyota squad, 2024 promises to be a whole new chapter in his racing career.

Initially, De Vries had secured a seat to race the Toyota GR010 #7 HYBRID Le Mans Hypercar in WEC, but a unique get-out clause in his contract allowed him to explore the world of Formula 1. As fate would have it, he jumped at the chance, leaving his WEC aspirations temporarily behind. However, the motorsport landscape is ever-evolving, and De Vries’s journey was filled with unexpected twists.

The F1 world witnessed De Vries replacing Jose Maria Lopez, who was on the brink of leaving Toyota but eventually extended his contract just as De Vries embarked on his F1 adventure. This chain of events highlighted the unpredictability and fluidity of professional racing careers, where opportunities arise and dissipate at lightning speed.

Now, as the dust settles, Nyck De Vries is poised to make a triumphant return to the WEC stage. In 2024, he will be racing alongside formidable teammates Kamui Kobayashi and Mike Conway, promising an exciting season for Toyota fans and motorsport enthusiasts alike. However, it’s worth noting that Toyota has remained tight-lipped about the status of their agreement with De Vries, leaving fans and pundits eagerly awaiting an official announcement.

Team director Rob Leupen recently assured that there are no concerns regarding the current driver lineup at Toyota. This statement suggests that the team is confident in their choices, but the motorsport world knows that surprises are never far away.

Meanwhile, Lopez, who is nearing his 40th birthday this year, expressed uncertainty about continuing his WEC journey with Toyota for a sixth consecutive season. His wavering commitment adds an intriguing layer of suspense to the unfolding story of Toyota’s 2024 WEC lineup.

Historically, Toyota has followed a pattern of announcing its WEC driver lineup for the upcoming season in November or December, aligning with their broader motorsport activities. As the motorsport community eagerly anticipates the next announcement, it raises the question: Will Nyck De Vries secure a coveted spot on the 2024 Toyota WEC roster?

“I’m always in contact with Nyck [de Vries] because we are both Dutch! I think Nyck has a lot of opportunities, he has also done some good testing for us [in the past].

“We are also in a good situation with our [current] driver line-up. I think our current driver line-up is superb. From that point of view, I would say there is no issue.”

To add complexity to the equation, it’s worth noting that prior to signing with AlphaTauri in 2023, Nyck De Vries was set to manage Toyota’s WEC campaign while also embarking on a Formula E journey with Maserati MSG. The clash on the calendar between the Spa WEC round and the Berlin E-Prix in 2024 adds an intriguing dimension to De Vries’s decision-making process.

As Nyck De Vries navigates the ever-shifting landscape of motorsport, his journey is a testament to the resilience and adaptability required to thrive in the world of professional racing. Whether he finds himself back behind the wheel of a Toyota in WEC or continues to pursue his Formula E ambitions, one thing is certain: The motorsport world will be watching his every move with bated breath.

“I would like to stay with the team, but I’m not 20 anymore. We’ll have to see. It’s not decided.”