The eighteenth time in the first practice session didn’t seem like much at first glance, but Nyck de Vries got out of the Mercedes in Mexico City with a big grin on his face. The 27-year-old Friesian accepted the honor for George Russell at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. It was his last job with the top Formula 1 team, where he was a reserve and test driver for years.

Nyck de Vries has been working overtime in a supporting role this season in Formula 1, especially on Fridays. He had already spent an hour in the cockpit of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, trained for the Williams and Aston Martin stables and also scored points in Italy on Sunday: as a substitute for the injured, he crowned his Grand Prix debut in Monza Alex Albon with two world cup points.

Next year De Vries can really get to work. He has signed with Alpha Tauri, Red Bull’s second team, but that hasn’t stopped Mercedes from fielding him again in Mexico. “The training went well. I just enjoyed it. It was quite emotional because it was the last time with this team. We worked together intensively for around four years and won titles.”

Run to the elevator

The upcoming Alpha Tauri driver is already noticing that the world around him is changing. “Since Monza, the number of selfie requests has risen sharply. This whole circus changes your freedom quite a bit.”

“Here in my hotel in Mexico City, they even had to use security personnel. The entrance was so packed with fans that we had to grab another entrance. They really were everywhere. We ran across the lobby to get into the elevator.” was quiet wild and extreme. In Japan the fans wait politely and patiently for their chance, but here they really attack.”

Like it or not, De Vries’ life is about to change significantly. And he notices that. “Suddenly I have all kinds of friends that I’ve never heard of. Suddenly everyone wants to offer you all kinds of services. That’s why I recently hired a manager to replace me. I’ve always done everything myself, but I really can’t more.” . I try to stay myself and keep everything as old as possible. That’ll work too, you know. I’ve been myself for 27 years.”

Logical variant

Of course, De Vries would have liked to try to set the best time in free practice, but that wasn’t possible. “I knew I didn’t have much to show. I only got one set of tires and only did one test program. There was little to do seem to bebut it was really nice to do a few laps.”

“That’s why I thanked the team over the on-board radio. But it’s not a long story. Just: Thank you for the great years and all the opportunities you gave me. I wish you all the best.”

It may come as a surprise to the outside world that De Vries was put in the Mercedes anyway while his future lies with a competitor. De Fries calls it obvious. “I’m the logical option. It’s not easy to put someone in this car. So much can go wrong. It’s not new to me anymore. It makes it safer. I know what to expect and that’s why I feel so good now.” At home behind the wheel.”

But otherwise De Vries hardly belongs to the Mercedes team anymore. “They keep me out almost everywhere. I no longer attend the important technical meetings and am not involved in things related to the performance of the car on race weekends. That makes sense to me. Obviously I feel less useful than before, but “Every F1 team wants to protect their intellectual property.”

Welcome

Between the companies, De Vries is already focused on 2023. “All the little things, you know, not daily tasks. Find a coach, get to know people on the team, spend time together.”

The first factory visit in Faenza has already been completed. “That was great. It felt a bit like coming home to the Italian karting team I raced for. Italians have a great passion for motorsport. I received a very warm welcome.”

Alpha Tauri feels like family, says De Vries. “It’s in their culture. It’s a small, close-knit team. I’m lucky enough to speak the language and I’ve already been able to introduce myself to everyone. It’s a huge change. At Mercedes you have a lot of English, but also many other nationalities. At Alpha Tauri, 85 percent of the employees are Italians.”

Five teams

The driver, who made his name with a Formula 2 title and a world title in the electric Formula E class, is looking forward to starting the job at Alpha Tauri. “I don’t know exactly what happened and what’s to come, but I’m really looking forward to it. I live my dream and enjoy every minute of it.”

De Vries is hoping to get out on track for Alpha Tauri immediately after the final Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi during days of testing at the Yas Marina circuit. “We are in talks to get that done.” If that succeeds, it’s unique: De Vries, who also completed a test for Alpine in the summer, drove for five teams in a Formula 1 season.

“Statistics don’t really interest me at all. I understand that some people find that special, but for me it’s about something else. I want to be here permanently and become successful. That’s what I live and work for. Days are fun, but it’s about the races.”