Former Formula E champion De Vries makes F1 debut in Italian Grand Prix
Formula E 2021 champion Nyck de Vries will make his Formula 1 debut this weekend as a substitute for Alexander Albon at Williams, the team have confirmed.
The team previously enlisted De Vries to drive their FW44 in the first practice session for the Spanish Grand Prix in May as part of their obligation to run a junior driver and he had actually started the Italian F1 driving in free practice one for Aston Martin as part of their junior driver programme.
He has been recalled to stand in for Albon who is undergoing treatment for appendicitis in hospital.
“Williams Racing can confirm that, after feeling unwell this morning and seeking medical advice from the FIA and local hospital, Alex Albon is now undergoing treatment for appendicitis,” the team said in a statement.
“Following on from this, we can confirm that the team’s Reserve Driver Nyck de Vries will drive in place of Alex for the remainder of the Italian Grand Prix weekend. Alex is in good spirits and the team wishes him a speedy recovery.”
The 27-year-old from Sneek in the Netherlands won the Formula 2 championship in 2019, then moved into Formula E driving for Mercedes winning the championship in the 2021 season.
He drove for Mercedes Formula 1 team in the first practice for the French Grand Prix two months ago and it is widely expected that as part of a deal between Mercedes and Williams he will join Formula 1 at the start of the 2023 season.
