Lewis Hamilton will not be in action in the first free practice session of the 2022 French Grand Prix weekend, the seven-time Formula 1 World Champion making way for the team’s reserve to do duty.
F1 mandated that reserve drivers be given FP1 opportunities with regular drivers sitting out so the reserves/ juniors can get mileage; in May this year, 27-year-old De Vries did FP1 duty in Spain for Williams.
Standing in for Alex Albon, The highly-rated Dutchman finished the session faster than Nicolas Latifi in his first drive in the car. Friday’s run will be De Vries’ second official F1 session.
In the Mercedes preview of the weekend at Circuit Paul Ricard, Wolff confirmed the De Vries news: “Nyck is replacing Lewis in first practice this weekend, as part of the allocated sessions for young drivers this year. So, we’re looking forward to seeing how he gets on.”
Over the course of the season, each driver is required to give up one of their first practice sessions for a young driver. Hamilton has selected FP1 in France for his session, and Russell’s will take place later in the season.
Looking back on Austria, the World Champion team worked wonders to get Hamilton’s and Russell’s cars repaired after they both binned it in qualifying; the efforts rewarded with a podium and fourth place two sundays ago.
Wolff: I’m pleased with the momentum we are building
The Mercedes boss reflected on the weekend in his homeland: “Third and fourth in Austria was a satisfying result for the whole team, particularly given the position we were in on Friday evening.
“The team worked miracles to have two complete race cars ready for the Sprint and Grand Prix. 27 points on Sunday were a good reward for that effort.
“We scored three podiums in the first seven races, and we have now achieved four in the last four. I’m pleased with the momentum we are building, and it reflects the mammoth effort of the team.
“Our understanding of the W13 is growing with every lap and it’s encouraging to see that reflected in our development and results,” revealed Wolff.
Mercedes lost their way this season and have not managed to bounce back which is out of character
The reality is that while the paddock expects them to be at the very sharp end at some point, but it has been said of them since the season began. It’s half-time and they are still not sure what their car will be like from track to track, and even from day to day.
Wolff acknowledged: “While we were quicker in Austria, we still weren’t quick enough to challenge at the front. We need to keep chasing those final few tenths and bringing new developments to the cars, including this weekend in France.
“Paul Ricard is a very different track and challenge. It has smooth tarmac and a wide range of corner types, along with long straights. The aim will be to make further inroads on the gap to the front and hopefully be back on the podium,” concluded Wolff.
Heading to the French Grand Prix this weekend Russell on 128 points is fifth in the 2022 F1 World Championship standings at the halfway point, with Hamilton nine points behind in sixth. Neither has won a Grand Prix so far this season.
Mercedes ar third in the 2022 F1 constructors’ standings at this stage, 122 points behind leaders Red Bull and 66 adrift of Ferrari in second.