F1 not a subject in regular De Vries, Wolff talks

Nyck de Vries admits a seat in Formula 1 is still his ultimate goal, but not a topic of conversation when he and Toto Wolff speak.

De Vries, current Formula E World Champion andMercedesreserve driver, was one of the names linked with a move to Alfa Romeo for 2022 before the team plumped to have Guanyu Zhou partner Valtteri Bottas instead.

The Dutchman probably has the pedigree to become a Formula 1 driver but that move has not yet materialised for the 26-year-old, who was Formula 2 champion in 2019 andcomfortably fastest of anyonewhen he took part in post-season F1 testing in Abu Dhabi, as well as topping his first test in IndyCar over the winter.

He said he is no longer “actively” pursuing a move to Formula 1 overall, but absolutely would not turn down the opportunity if it came up for him.

观点:你@nyckdevries, going back to the garage#DiriyahEPrix#WeDriveTheCity#ABBFormulaEpic.twitter.com/U1lL9aFoST

— Mercedes-EQ Formula E Team (@MercedesEQFE)January 29, 2022

“Every young driver dreams of that. I would be lying if I said I don’t have the ambition or the dream to be in Formula 1 anymore. But I am not actively working on it anymore,” De Vries said in an interview with Austria’sLaola1.

“Next year there is a new season, we’ll see what happens. I will do my job as well as I can.”

De Vries and the Mercedes team principal speak regularly as part of his duties with the team, but driving in Formula 1 was not part of their last chat.

“We spoke last week on the occasion of his birthday,” said the Dutchman. “We have regular contact, but Formula 1 was not discussed.”

De Vries was one of several candidates to be in the running for not only a seat at Alfa Romeo but he was reportedly one of the names mooted to replace George Russell at Williams, before Alex Albon was given the opportunity to get back on the grid.

Even though he has not been a full-time F1 driver, De Vries said he can take heart from the fact he has been taken into consideration – and will continue to do all he can on track.

“First of all, I was very pleased and impressed I was even mentioned among the candidates,” he explained. “That confirms how my talents are thought of.

“So much changes so quickly. Much of what happens is beyond my control. I can only contribute something through my performance on the track.

“I have no influence on the things that happen outside. I am happy with what I can do now – racing with the chance to win a title.”