F1 News: Former AlphaTauri Driver Opens Up On Shock Exit - "Of Course It Hurt"

Nyck de Vries speaks openly about his short-lived F1 career with AlphaTauri.

Dutch driver Nyck de Vries' stint in Formula 1 with AlphaTauri was shorter than anticipated, but he remains optimistic about his future. In an interview with De Telegraaf, de Vries shares his thoughts on his F1 experience and his plans for 2024, including a return to Formula E and competing in the WEC with Toyota.

Key Takeaways:

• Despite an early exit from AlphaTauri, Nyck de Vries has a positive outlook for 2024, with plans to return to Formula E and join the WEC with Toyota.
• De Vries speaks candidly about his departure from AlphaTauri after just 10 races, replaced by Daniel Ricciardo, but maintains a lack of resentment towards his former team or colleagues.
• In his comments to De Telegraaf, de Vries emphasises the importance of resilience and perspective, acknowledging the support he received and his gratitude for the opportunities in F1.

Nyck de Vries's Formula 1 stint with AlphaTauri didn't pan out as he had hoped, but the Dutch driver is far from disheartened. After putting in an impressive performance in the 2022 Italian Grand Prix when stepping in last minute for a sick Alex Albon in the Williams, de Vries very quickly became the interest of multiple teams. It was later confirmed that AlphaTauri had signed the Dutch driver for 2023 replacing Pierre Gasly who had moved to Alpine. 

However, after just ten races of his rookie season, the team dropped him and brought eight-time Grand Prix winner Daniel Ricciardo in to replace him with immediate effect. This move has been criticised by many for not giving de Vries the chance to prove himself especially when the car was far from the best on the grid.

As de Vries looks ahead to 2024, he prepares for a return to Formula E and a new challenge in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) with Toyota. 

He explained during an interview with De Telegraaf:

"Whether it is fair or just, that is actually totally irrelevant to me. Nor do I hold any grudge at all towards Helmut Marko or towards Daniel Ricciardo or his temporary replacement Liam Lawson. That is part of the business. I am very grateful for the opportunity I have been given."

De Vries's resilience is further highlighted by his reaction to the outpouring of support he received. 

"I have been hugely supported, altogether I think I received about 4,000 messages. That has done me good. I can sit in a corner crying, but that will not benefit anyone. Of course it hurt. I don't think that's surprising. But everyone experiences good times and more difficult times. And yes, pain is also part of life."