Dutch racing driver, Tom Coronel, has indicated that the emergence of a Formula 1 seat will be enough to get Nyck de Vries out of any deal he might have already agreed for next year.
Kevin Magnussen was all set to race in IMSA with Chip Ganassi for a second consecutive season this year, but after Nikita Mazepin was dropped amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Dane was able to wriggle out of that contract and return to the American side.
De Vries is, at the moment, not contracted to a seat anywhere in motorsport, having left the Mercedes EQ Formula E team at the end of season eight.
The Dutchman claimed title glory in season seven in 2021, and both he and Stoffel Vandoorne guided the German team to teams’ success two years running.
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The 27-year-old tested with the Meyer Shank IndyCar team several months ago, and he impressed during his day’s running with them, so there are possibilities for de Vries.
He previously affirmed that he wants to try and make a fist of it in Europe though, and that opportunity may yet arise.
De Vries was called up to the Williams team to replace Alex Albon in Monza when the Thai-British driver fell ill with appendicitis and, with barely 90 minutes’ notice, the 2019 Formula 2 champion was right on the pace of team-mate Nicholas Latifi.
He out-qualified the Canadian in 13th, which became eighth when grid penalties for other drivers were applied, and he held on to take ninth and two points on his debut.
The talent de Vries possessed has been evident for years, and he has been unfortunate not to find a drive in F1 up to now.
Should a full-time opportunity arise next year, Coronel does not see his compatriot having any problem escaping from alternative contracts.
“This guy was made to race, he has devoted his whole life to it. And he will continue to do so for the rest of his life,” he told Viaplay.
“He already has very good deals in his pocket for next year, but I’m sure there’s an option in there that says, ‘if I get a Formula 1 seat…’”
Coronel also affirmed that de Vries’ age, at 27 years old, should not be a factor in teams’ decision-making process.
“You shouldn’t look at the age, that age is just an extra because of all the experience he brings with him. As a result, he makes fewer mistakes,” he explained.
“All the critics have been shouting for years that he couldn’t do this, but you have to remember the 2018 Formula 2 Championship.
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“George Russell was champion, Lando Norris was second, Alexander Albon third and De Vries fourth. In the last few races, he had engine problems.
“Otherwise, he would have easily finished second in that championship, Nyck just belongs in Formula 1.”
De Vries has been linked with Latifi’s seat next season, as the 2019 F2 runner-up is out of contract at the end of this season.