In the sporting regulations for the 2022 season , Formula 1 requires teams to line up two young drivers, the so-called ‘rookies’, in at least two FP1 sessions (free practice 1) during this year.
World champion team Mercedes will stage the first of those two tests this weekend, at the French GP, where it will put test and reserve driver Nyck de Vries behind the wheel of its W13 on Friday.
This was confirmed by the team manager, Toto Wolff , in the run-up to this grand prix: “Nyck will replace Lewis in the first practice sessions this weekend, as part of the sessions assigned to young drivers this year.”
“So we’re looking forward to seeing how it goes.”
Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes W13
It must be remembered that these practices do not have to be played by drivers who have not yet debuted in F1. In fact, this will be the second opportunity for De Vries, who made his debut this year when he replaced Alex Albon at Williams during FP1 of the Spanish Grand Prix .
The Dutchman also participated with Mercedes in the Abu Dhabi young driver test in 2020, following that season finale.
De Vries is the reigning Formula E champion, winning the title with Mercedes last year alongside teammate and fellow reserve driver Stoffel Vandoorne.
The 27-year-old currently sits in eighth position in this season’s Formula E drivers’ standings. Previously, he had taken the Formula 2 crown in 2019.
Mercedes arrives at Paul Ricard, the penultimate round before the summer break, after a strong performance at the Austrian Grand Prix, where Hamilton achieved his third consecutive podium finish ahead of teammate George Russell who was fourth.
That prompted Christian Horner to suggest that Mercedes would be there at Le Castellet and that they are “getting back in the game”.
The Red Bull director believes that Mercedes will have a chance at the next French Grand Prix after the good performance shown in recent races.
Having resolved most of its dreaded porpoising issues, Wolff says the team is now gaining momentum after a “giant effort.”
“We had three podiums in the first seven races, and now we’ve had four in the last four,” added Wolff.
“I am pleased with the momentum we are building and it reflects the enormous effort of the team.”
“Our understanding of the W13 grows with every lap and it’s encouraging to see that reflected in our development and results.”
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