Rumors

OFFICIAL: De Vries and Vandoorne test for Mercedes in Abu Dhabi

11 December 2020 at 08:41
Last update 11 December 2020 at 08:54
  • GPblog.com

During the Young Driver Test in Abu Dhabi, Kyck de Vries and Stoffel Vandoorne will drive for Mercedes. De Telegraaf reporter Erik van Haren reported this on Friday morning.

The test at the end of the Formula 1 season in Abu Dhabi is an opportunity for young talents to get into a Formula 1 car. At least, that was the intention, because with the original rule not to let drivers with no more than two Grands Prix in their name, this seemed to be the perfect opportunity for talents.

Dutchman during Young Driver Test

However, the FIA confused these plans following Renault's request to use Fernando Alonso (a two-time F1 world champion) in the test. The FIA accepted this and then chose to test drivers who were not on the grid in 2020. As a result, Robert Kubica, Sebastien Buemi and Fernando Alonso are suddenly at the start of the Young Driver Test.

On Friday morning, Erik van Haren, Formula 1 reporter for De Telegraaf, announced that there will also be Dutch input during this test in Abu Dhabi. Who or what this contribution will be is not yet clear, but as an official part of Mercedes, Nyck de Vries seems to be the most logical candidate. Robin Frijns is perhaps a bit far-fetched, as are Bent Viscaal and Richard Verschoor. For the sake of clarity, Max Verstappen should not take action because he was active in 2020.

Mercedes has just confirmed that Nyck de Vries will make his debut in a Formula 1 car. The man from Friesland, together with Stoffel Vandoorne, will be in action during the Young Driver Test, with which Mercedes will also make use of the rule to let drivers who have already driven two races come into action.