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Verstappen thought De Vries wouldn't get his chance in F1: 'Perfectly done'
- GPblog.com
At the start of the 2022 Formula 1 season, Nyck de Vries' chances of getting an F1 seat still seemed minimal. Even Max Verstappen no longer expected it, but the two-time world champion is all the happier that his compatriot and good friend will be there on the grid next year.
De Vries may not have been high on everyone's list at the start of the year, but by putting himself in the spotlight during the year, the Friesian driver managed to convince Helmut Marko to offer him Pierre Gasly's seat at AlphaTauri.
F1 contract De Vries
Verstappen did not see it happening again either, until De Vries was given the chance to fill in for the ailing Alexander Albon at the Italian Grand Prix. He impressed so much with his GP debut that talks with Marko followed shortly afterwards, culminating in a contract with AlphaTauri.
"If you had told me that at the beginning of the year, I would never have believed it," Verstappen admits in the Viaplay documentary Picture Perfect. The Red Bull Racing driver gave his friend a boost to call Marko, but also really thinks he deserves it. "It's very nice for Nyck, he deserves it too. How he stepped in at Monza, he did that perfectly."
De Vries was loaned out by Mercedes several times in 2022 to take part in as many free practice sessions as possible, but his big chance occurred in the race at Monza. "You just have to get that opportunity. I didn't think anyone would give him that chance, but luckily it did happen. He just did everything perfectly. I hope he can now show what he is capable of," Verstappen said.