Nyck de Vries’ Formula 1 career was over almost as quickly as it began. The Dutch driver, who made his full-time debut with AlphaTauri in 2023, was cut from the grid after just ten races, replaced by Daniel Ricciardo.
But rather than harboring resentment, De Vries sees his short-lived F1 stint as a lesson, not a failure.
“AlphaTauri was a challenge, but I don’t hold a grudge,” De Vries reflected. “I’m grateful for the opportunity I was given. I was also able to realize a boyhood dream, even though it was a short chapter in my career.”
From High Expectations to a Quick Exit
De Vries’ arrival in F1 was highly anticipated.
- He had already built an impressive resume, winning the 2019 Formula 2 championship and clinching the 2020-21 Formula E title.
- He stunned the paddock when he filled in for Williams at the 2022 Italian Grand Prix, scoring two points on his debut after replacing an unwell Alex Albon.
- That breakout performance earned him a full-time seat with AlphaTauri, Red Bull’s then-satellite team, for 2023.
But the reality didn’t match the hype.
- De Vries struggled to match teammate Yuki Tsunoda, failing to score a single point in ten races.
- Red Bull’s patience wore thin quickly. Just four months into the season, the team pulled the plug, bringing in Daniel Ricciardo as his replacement.
“You Feel a Double Pressure” – De Vries on the Ruthless F1 Environment
Formula 1 is a cutthroat world, but for De Vries, the relentless scrutiny came as a shock.
“You feel a double pressure. You feel external pressure from the media, but you are also tested internally by the team. Everything you do is put under a magnifying glass.”
He admitted that constant rumors about his potential exit only made things worse.
“From the second weekend onwards, there was already talk of a change. That didn’t help me to perform well.”
Once Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko lost faith, the writing was on the wall. Marko later branded De Vries’ signing as his ‘biggest mistake,’ bluntly stating:
“He had an incredible resume. But the stopwatch doesn’t lie – he was clearly the wrong choice.”
The Silver Lining: A Career Beyond F1
Despite his brutal exit, De Vries sees himself as fortunate compared to other discarded F1 drivers.
“I was lucky that I had already built a career. Other drivers who have to leave Formula 1 early have nothing to fall back on.”
- He quickly returned to Formula E with Mahindra Racing, a series where he had already proven himself.
- He also rejoined endurance racing, competing in the World Endurance Championship (WEC).
What’s Next for De Vries?
While F1 is likely closed off for good, De Vries remains a respected name in motorsport.
With his Formula E experience and ties to endurance racing, he still has a bright future outside of Grand Prix racing. But his AlphaTauri stint serves as a reminder of just how brutal the Formula 1 machine can be.