Nyck de Vries, life after Formula 1

It’s a Nyck de Vries smiling that we found on the terrace of the villa Toyota in the paddock of the Losail international circuit (Qatar), Wednesday evening. The Dutchman will contest his first race in the Hypercar category this Saturday with the 1 km of Qatar. A great opportunity to bounce back for those who were ousted from Alpha Tauri after 10 small Grands Prix last year.

« It may sound cliché, but in life we ​​learn every day and we learn through our experiences, the Batavian tells us. This is also the case for me. All the races I have done so far have shaped and molded me into who I am today. I will continue to learn and develop as an individual and as a driver. Last year's experience will certainly have contributed to this. »

Returning to Toyota, where he was previously a reserve, De Vries almost comes home. “ I already know the team and the drivers, but getting to know them and actually racing on the track with them is a little different. I really enjoy the time spent with the team and my teammates. It's great to be part of it. It's a real privilege because she's been so strong over the last decade and accomplished so much, but also because I'm Kamui and Mike's teammate. Kamui was in Formula 1 when I was still doing karting. My sister was a fan of his. Mike was in IndyCar and won his first race. I am the youngest on the team. So it’s nice to hear all the racing stories and learn from their experiences. »

If Nyck de Vries' Formula 1 adventure ended prematurely, the 29-year-old driver prefers to take it philosophically. “ Life is a journey, he puts it into perspective. We go through different chapters. Car racing is my greatest passion. I have always shown a great interest in endurance races and in particular in WEC, I was notably doing a double program Formula 2 – LM P2. Of course, I am very happy to be here. The relationship with Toyota has always remained very good, even when I moved away to Formula 1 for a short period. We always stayed in touch. So once all that happened (the end of his adventure with AlphaTauri. Editor's note), it was very natural to come back. »

Does he still have any hope of returning to Formula 1? “ Never say never, you never know what life may have in store for you, but I'm really happy where I am now. What I admit is that every young driver dreams of one day reaching Formula 1. Now that I have achieved it, this feeling is no longer as present and I continue my career in other disciplines. I am very happy to be in a great team like Toyota, surrounded by very friendly people and in a good environment. » With the ambition to shine at the highest level ofEndurance with the Japanese manufacturer.

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