Nyck de Vries returns to F1: McLaren run private test with Dutchman

Former F1 driver Nyck de Vries has secretly returned to a Formula 1 car. The Dutchman, who raced for AlphaTauri in the past, tested the 2022 McLaren car last Sunday. McLaren confirmed the test to GPblog, but would not share further details about it.

McLaren said a test was held at the Paul Ricard circuit in France, and Ryo Hirakawa was in action. The Japanese driver is currently a driver for the Papaya team alongside Gabriel Bortoleto. He's also part of the McLaren Driver Development Programme. After Hirakawa, De Vries was also in action during the test at the former F1 circuit.

A reserve role for De Vries?

McLaren will not say anything about lap times, but the test does give rise to speculation. After all, Bortoleto is leaving McLaren after this season to become a driver for Sauber (Audi). Possibly, that move could offer an opportunity for De Vries to take over his reserve role in '25.

De Vries is currently active in Formula E and the World Endurance Championship. In the WEC, he drives for Toyota Gazoo Racing. Hirakawa also races for Toyota in WEC.

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This article was written in collaboration with Toby Nixon.