Nyck de Vries was back in the first free practice session on Friday afternoon for the third time this season. Although he only managed a nineteenth time, he proved again to be a reliable driver. Formula 1 can therefore no longer ignore De Vries.
While the Dutchman has been mentioned for years as a possible driver in Formula 1, no stable has dared to go with De Vries. Each time, the various formations opted for a different driver and the compatriot of Max Verstappen was left in the lurch.
Williams, Mercedes and Aston Martin, however, decided to offer him the opportunity to take part in a first free practice session. De Vries did not fall short of the other drivers. In fact, he seems to be an excellent choice for Formula 1.
On Friday, De Vries decided to change tack. Where in the past he often left his future up in the air, after the session he let it be known that he is ready to make a move to Formula 1 and even believes he deserves the chance.
De Vries is absolutely right with those words. The driver has gained enough experience in recent years to make it in Formula 1 and seems able to cope well with the pressure within the motorsport class. He may not be as good as Verstappen, but he can certainly compete in the middle of the pack.
According to reports, he has a good chance of getting a seat at both Williams and Alpine in 2023. Especially the last team would provide a perfect scenario for De Vries. If there is one driver who deserves a place in Formula 1, it is De Vries.