F1 News

De Vries knew F1 seat "not realistic" despite clinching 2019 Formula 2 title

4 October 2019 at 12:33
  • Nicolás Quarles van Ufford

Despite clinching the 2019 Formula 2 title in dominant fashion, newly announced Mercedes Formula E driver Nyck de Vries knew that getting a seat into Formula 1 wasn't realistic for him, as the Dutchman will now partner up with former GP2 champion Stoffel Vandoorne in FE.

In his karting days, De Vries was seen as one of the brightest talents in motorsport, as the now 24-year-old dominated most categories he drove in during his youth. However, life in single-seaters proved difficult, with 2019 being his third season in Formula 2.

He had already won three races in 2018 but was pipped in the championship standings by the Formula 1-bound trio of George Russell, Lando Norris and Alexander Albon. With 2018 being the year where De Vries was supposed to announce himself to F1 teams, it turned out to be a disappointment. He eventually went on to win the 2019 F2 title, but with it being his third year in the sport and with the field being significantly weaker than in years past, it didn't turn as many heads.

"Over the past five years the champion has been promoted to Formula 1 and last year even to the top three," the ART Grand Prix driver told Ziggo Sport.

"However, there are no guarantees, and I was aware of that. I have no control over that, so I can't worry about it."

 Now, De Vries will drive in Formula E alongside a fellow former GP2 champion in Stoffel Vandoorne for Mercedes' works team in the sixth season of the sport as they look to challenge for wins and even the championship.

"I've had several conversations but there just wasn't enough movement," he continued about his potential F1 career. "Everyone more or less stayed where they are.

"Of course Formula 1 is still the dream, but in the current situation that was not realistic. As a kid you dream about F1 and the route towards F1."

Besides his duties in FE, De Vries will also be testing for Toyota's LMP1 team later this year, he revealed on his social media.