Nyck de Vries, who was ousted from his Red Bull seat just 10 races into the 2023 Formula 1 season, has made a surprising return to the F1 scene with McLaren. The 29-year-old Dutch driver, spotted testing McLaren’s 2022 car, the MCL36, at Circuit Paul Ricard, has reignited discussions about his F1 journey.
De Vries initially impressed during his F1 debut with Williams at Monza in 2022 and later secured a full-time seat at Red Bull’s sister team, AlphaTauri. However, his stint was short-lived, with Daniel Ricciardo replacing him mid-season.
Verstappen’s Playful Take on the McLaren Test
Max Verstappen, a fellow Dutchman and four-time F1 World Champion, couldn’t resist making a playful remark about De Vries’ unexpected McLaren test. “He will send me a full report of what is going on!” Verstappen joked, sparking laughter during a press interaction.
However, Verstappen was quick to clarify that his comment was in jest. “No, of course not. We always keep it very professional. That’s his job. I’m not there to try and steal information. I don’t want to put him in that position anyway,” he emphasized.
McLaren’s 2024 Resurgence
The backdrop to this lighthearted exchange is McLaren’s resurgence in the 2024 F1 season. With Lando Norris mounting a serious title challenge, McLaren managed to dethrone Red Bull in the Constructors’ Championship, finishing second behind Ferrari. Although Verstappen secured his fourth consecutive Drivers’ Championship with two rounds to spare, Red Bull’s dominance took a hit, dropping to third in the team standings.
One of the controversial points of the season was McLaren’s innovative ‘mini-DRS’ rear wing solution, which prompted regulatory changes for the 2025 season. The FIA’s mid-season technical directive at the Belgian Grand Prix aimed to clamp down on potential rule-bending, but Verstappen hinted at his suspicions of rivals exploiting gray areas to gain an edge.
“Things happened in the background that meant we had no chance at all in certain races. I know that for sure, but no one will ever admit that,” Verstappen told De Telegraaf.
Verstappen’s Eyes on 2025 Glory
Matching Sebastian Vettel’s record of four consecutive Drivers’ Championships as a Red Bull driver, Verstappen is now focused on breaking new ground in the 2025 season. A fifth title would not only elevate Verstappen’s legacy but also reassert Red Bull’s dominance after a challenging year.
What’s Next for Nyck de Vries?
For De Vries, the McLaren test offers a fresh opportunity to showcase his talent and possibly re-enter the F1 fold. His familiarity with various teams as a test driver, including Mercedes, Williams, and Aston Martin, makes him a valuable asset.
While it’s unclear whether this test could lead to a permanent role with McLaren, it’s a positive step for De Vries, whose career has seen significant highs and lows in a short span.
Conclusion
Max Verstappen’s quip about Nyck de Vries’ McLaren test adds a humorous touch to an otherwise competitive F1 landscape. With McLaren’s rise, Red Bull’s challenges, and De Vries’ potential comeback, the stage is set for an intriguing 2025 season. Fans will be watching closely as Verstappen aims for a fifth title and drivers like De Vries strive to make their mark.
