Nyck de Vries Reflects on His AlphaTauri Tenure and Eyes Bright Future

Nyck de Vries, the former AlphaTauri driver, spoke candidly about his unexpected departure from Formula 1, expressing no resentment and focusing on his promising future in Formula E and WEC. He remains optimistic despite the challenges faced during his short stint in F1.

Key Takeaways:

• Nyck de Vries maintains a positive outlook for 2024, with a return to Formula E and a new venture in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) with Toyota.
• After a brief tenure at AlphaTauri, replaced by Daniel Ricciardo post 10 races, de Vries harbors no bitterness towards his former team or colleagues.
• In his interview with De Telegraaf, de Vries stressed the importance of resilience and gratitude for the F1 opportunities he received, acknowledging the overwhelming support from fans and his perspective on life’s challenges.

Nyck de Vries’s journey in Formula 1 with AlphaTauri was shorter than many had hoped. Despite a remarkable entry into F1, showcased by his stellar performance in the 2022 Italian Grand Prix as a stand-in for Alex Albon at Williams, de Vries’s time at AlphaTauri was cut short. His signing in 2023 was met with enthusiasm as he replaced Pierre Gasly, who moved to Alpine. However, after just ten races, AlphaTauri decided to replace him with Daniel Ricciardo, a move that sparked considerable debate among fans and pundits alike.

This decision, seen by some as premature, did not dampen de Vries’s spirit. As he prepares for 2024, his focus shifts back to Formula E, where he has previously demonstrated impressive skills, and to a new chapter in the WEC with Toyota.

During his interview with De Telegraaf, de Vries shared his thoughts candidly:

“Whether it is fair or just, that is actually totally irrelevant to me. Nor do I hold any grudge at all towards Helmut Marko or towards Daniel Ricciardo or his temporary replacement Liam Lawson. That is part of the business. I am very grateful for the opportunity I have been given.”

De Vries’s resilience shines through as he reflects on the support he received following his exit from F1. He remains grounded and forward-looking, an attitude that has won him admiration within the motorsport community.

“I have been hugely supported, altogether I think I received about 4,000 messages. That has done me good. I can sit in a corner crying, but that will not benefit anyone. Of course it hurt. I don’t think that’s surprising. But everyone experiences good times and more difficult times. And yes, pain is also part of life.”

Nyck de Vries’s story in F1 may have been brief, but his journey in motorsports continues to inspire. His ability to remain optimistic and grateful in the face of adversity serves as a testament to his character and resilience, qualities that will undoubtedly serve him well in his future endeavors in Formula E and the WEC.