De Vries to replace Alex Albon
Nyck de Vries is making his Formula 1 debut for Williams at this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix, with Alex Albon taken unwell with appendicitis.
He drove Friday practice for Aston Martin and has been called in after Albon was taken unwell on Saturday morning.
A statement issued by Williams said: “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.
“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.”
At the Spanish Grand Prix, he ran in the Williams, followed by Mercedes in Paul Ricard. His run in the Aston Martin at Monza offered him the chance to try a third different car during the season.
De Vries is a former world karting champion who was initially taken under the wing of the McLaren team as part of its junior squad from 2010. Despite winning a number of major championships on his way up the racing ladder, Formula 2 in 2019 and Formula E in 2021 season, no opportunities opened up for him in F1 as of yet.
De Vries is the reserve drive for Mercedes and its customer teams this season, after being taken under the wing of the German car manufacturer. The association with Mercedes opened the opportunity for more runs in grand prix machinery and he remains a contender for an F1 seat on the grid in 2023 – with Williams an obvious option.