Former Red Bull star Nyck de Vries makes a sensational return to McLaren as a simulator driver, igniting excitement among fans ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix! The announcement was confirmed by the team, sparking intrigue in a season where the stakes couldn’t be higher.
De Vries, who had a rocky stint with AlphaTauri (now Racing Bulls) after initially making waves with a stunning ninth-place finish for Williams at the 2022 Italian Grand Prix, is back in familiar territory. After 11 appearances in Formula 1 during the 2022 and 2023 seasons, his performance faltered alongside Yuki Tsunoda, leading to his dismissal in favor of Daniel Ricciardo.
Now 30, the Dutch driver has been racking up experience in Formula E, where he clinched the championship title in 2021, while also tackling World Endurance Championship challenges with Toyota. But the draw of F1 is undeniable. De Vries recently posted a captivating image of himself in McLaren’s simulator on social media, a clear indication of his commitment to the team’s preparations as they gear up for the high-octane race weekend in Singapore.
What’s more, De Vries’s resurgence at McLaren is more than just a footnote in his career. It marks a return to the team that nurtured his early talent. His journey with McLaren began in 2010 when he joined their junior scheme, engaging in simulator duties before parting ways in late 2018. At that time, McLaren’s CEO Zak Brown made a tough call, allowing De Vries to chase other opportunities, acknowledging the slim prospects of him securing a race seat with the team amidst fierce competition.
But the tides have turned! With De Vries’s return confirmed since the start of the 2025 F1 season, this move is poised to breathe new life into his ambitions. His first taste of competitive action with McLaren post-AlphaTauri came during a Pirelli tyre test at Paul Ricard last November, showcasing his readiness to contribute to the team’s future endeavors.
As the countdown to the Singapore Grand Prix continues, the buzz around De Vries’s new role is palpable. Can he leverage his simulator experience to propel McLaren into a more competitive position? The Formula 1 world is watching closely, eager to see if this rejuvenated partnership will lead to a thrilling comeback story. Buckle up, because the race for glory in F1 is just getting started!