Nyck de Vries revealed that he had met with Red Bull consultant Helmut Marko, as the Dutchman looks to secure a full time Formula 1 drive in 2023.
De Vries made his F1 debut with Williams at the 2022 Italian Grand Prix, replacing the ill Alex Albon, and went on to deliver a commendable performance, finishing ninth and scoring points while showing impressive race craft despite just stepping in the Williams car 24 hours before the race.
After Monza, De Vries’ stock sky rocketed and reports began to circulate regarding his future in F1, with a seat at Williams being the obvious option, especially as the British team procures its power units from Mercedes, a team with which the Dutch driver is linked also having won the 2020/2021 Formula E Championship with Mercedes’ all electric series outfit.
Speaking to Dutch TV show, Humberto op Zaterdag, De Vries discussed his future F1 prospects, saying: “I don’t quite know if I am in such a luxury situation that I can choose.
“Largely, that is beyond my control. I have been in talks with Williams for a long time, and I was also able to make my debut there last weekend. That would be a logical step,” he added.
The 2019 Formula 2 Champion also revealed ongoing talks with Alpine who are yet to announce a replacement to Aston Martin-bound Fernando Alonso.
“Alpine I have been in contact since July, and I will test for them in Budapest next week. I will fly there on Monday [Today],” he revealed.
De Vries met with Marko, reports claim the deal is done
He also confirmed reports that he has met with Red Bull Consultant Helmut Marko over a potential drive at AlphaTauri to replace Pierre Gasly who is being considered for an Alpine seat.
Marko’s plans to put American IndyCar driver Colton Herta in an AlphaTauri seat don’t seem to be going smooth as Herta doesn’t meet Super License requirements.
“And as the media had noticed yesterday, I went to Austria to meet Helmut Marko. Those are the facts,” De Vries cofirmed.
“Wherever I can get a permanent seat, I would be very happy with that. We have to see how it will develop in the coming days and weeks. As I said, it is not entirely in my control.
“In this world not everything is about performance, but there is momentum now. That makes a difference, but it does not guarantee a seat. We are not that far yet,” the 27-year-old admitted.
While De Vries admitted to meeting with Marko, some media outlets are even reporting that a deal is in place between both parties.
AUTOhebdo reported: “AUTOhebdo is able to confirm the information, and the two men are said to have agreed on a move of the 27-year-old Dutchman to AlphaTauri next season, where he is expected to race alongside Yuki Tsunoda.”