De Vries: Formula 1 comparisons do not do FE justice
Mercedes reserve Nyck de Vries waves at the camera in the paddock. Abu Dhabi December 2021.
梅塞德斯公式E司机Nyck de Vries says the sport has established itself as a racing series and it is appreciated by other series.
The defending Formula E champion, who has been tipped as a potential replacement forLewis Hamiltonat Mercedes should the seven-time World Champion decide to leave, believes that making comparisons with Formula 1 does not do Formula E justice.
Formula E kicks off its eighth season this weekend in Saudi Arabia and while many ex-Formula 1 drivers compete in the sport that is not a reflection on the championship.
“Basically, Formula E has established itself as a racing series. It is accepted and appreciated in our motorsport scene,” de Vries told German websiteAuto Motor und Sport.
“However, many people still compare it with Formula 1, which in my opinion does not do it justice.”
De Vries is no stranger to Formula 1 as he serves as reserve driver to the Mercedes team and took part in the end-of-season test in Abu Dhabi last month.
Prior to this test, he and his team-mate and fellowMercedesreserve driver, Stoffel Vandoorne tested with IndyCar. De Vries drove for Meyer Shank Racing while Vandoorne tested for Arrow McLaren SP.
Is your Monday as good as@nyckdevries’?pic.twitter.com/K599rBpPoc
— Meyer Shank Racing (@MeyerShankRac)December 6, 2021
In relation to Formula 1 and Formula E, they are two different racing machines.
“For me, they are different championships with very different requirements,” De Vries explained.
“We should rather see Formula E as a championship in its own right.
“I’m happy to be a part of it and to be able to fight for victories – after all, that’s why I became a racing driver.”
Mercedes will launch their new Formula 1 car, the W13 on February 18, just before pre-season testing gets underway in Bahrain.
