De Vries came in ninth during the first free practice session against Paul Ricard. He drove Lewis Hamilton’s car. Each team must play a at least twice this season rookie offer an opportunity during a training. De Vries will certainly step again this year, then as a replacement for George Russell
“I made some mistakes during my second lap on the softest tire, otherwise I would have had a better lap time. I’m competitive, so that will stick around for a while. But I’m glad I was able to do some work for the team.”
Future in F1
De Vries tested, among other things, the latest upgrades from Mercedes, which hopes to get closer to Ferrari and Red Bull at Paul Ricard. Hamilton also reported a few times over the on-board radio, according to De Vries. „He advised me on the different tools on the steering wheel, with which you can adjust the balance of the car. Lewis was very helpful. It’s nice to get that support from him, I really appreciate that.”
For De Vries it was his second training of the season, having previously joined Williams. “At Mercedes I already know the people and the car better, of course, because of my duties as a reserve driver. Williams was also special, because that was the first time. But getting into the car of a seven-time world champion, with a team that has been the best eight years in a row, is also very special. At the same time, you also have to be focused, because something is expected of you.”
Of course, the Monaco resident was also asked, as always, about his possible future in Formula 1. However, the answer is always the same: “I can only do what I have to do in a car and I have no control over the rest. Although I fully understand that those questions have to be asked.”