F1
Franz Tost explains the choice of recruiting Nyck de Vries
Nyck de Vries will no longer be in the ranks of Mercedes in 2023. ©DPPI
The long-awaited announcements have been made. Very early this Saturday in France, around 3 a.m., Alpine confirmed the arrival de Pierre Gasly in its ranks from 2023. In turn, Alpha Tauri responded immediately by announcing Nyck de Vries to compensate for the departure of the Norman in the tricolor clan. A choice which surprised since the Dutchman, champion of F2 in 2019, was never in the fold Red Bull and whose sister team has always been used to welcoming members of the academy. Present at a press conference, Franz Tost, team principal of the Italian team, explained the reasons for this choice.
« Because he is fast, said the Austrian without hesitation before further developing his argument, particularly praising his track record. I know his journey, I followed him in karting (...) then he found great success in the following categories. He won in Formula Renault, he won in GP3 Series, he won in F2. In addition, he was world champion in Formula E. So I think he's a very competent driver and he deserves to be in Formula 1 and we are really looking forward to having it in our car."
Tost has no doubts about de Vries
On the sidelines since his F2 title three years ago, Nyck de Vries got his chance at the Italian Grand Prix where he replaced Alex Albon off the cuff at Williams and finished 9e for his first departure. A performance which logically worked in his favor but which was not decisive in the choice of AlphaTauri to recruit him.
« Nyck was already on our shelves before (Monza), continues Franz Tost. The special circumstances with drivers who left their team, then Red Bull's decision not to continue with Pierre Gasly (In 2023) brought together all the elements for our decision to fall on Nyck which is the best. He will adapt well to the team »
To help Nyck de Vries in his adaptation, AlphaTauri will organize test sessions for him so that he quickly gets his bearings. Franz Tost for his part is not worried and expects the Batavian “ be competitive from the first race."
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Gonzalo Forbes
In charge of promotion formulas (F2, F3, FRECA, F4...). Carried by the grace of Franco Colapinto.
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