Verstappen happy for close friend De Vries: 'No discussion after Monza'
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Max Verstappen has played a role to some extent in AlphaTauri's deal with Nyck de Vries. The reigning world champion is happy for his compatriot and also good friend, he told during the press conference after qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix.
Two Dutchmen in F1
Asked for his reaction to the news, Verstappen said he was already aware of the upcoming deal. "Of course, this is incredible for him. He's been pushing hard for it for a long time and to finally get that opportunity is amazing for him. But also, I think after Monza, there was no real discussion anymore, I think," explained the Red Bull Racing driver.
He does not reveal whether he indeed put in a good word for his friend, as De Vries suggested. He did, however, give him a push to make a phone call to Helmut Marko as soon as possible after his GP debut at Monza. Timing was important in this regard. "Helmut is still probably excited on a Monday from the race on a Sunday, so it worked out really well," Verstappen continued.
"Helmut is the guy, when he likes something he is daring enough to then put him in the car, right, whereas maybe other teams are a bit more careful. And, yeah, that's great news. We are good friends as well," said a happy Verstappen, who will thus be joined next year by a compatriot within the Red Bull family.