by Max Verstappen believes compatriot Nyck de Vries could be “exactly what AlphaTauri needs” in 2023, following the departure of Pierre Gasly.
De Vries has made just one start to Formula 1, a strong points weekend for Williams at Monza last year in place of ailing Alex Albon, but Verstappen’s vast experience in other forms of motorsport will help him acclimate to his sister of the Red Bull squad for its first full season.
Ninth-place finish in Italy prompted AlphaTauri to seek his services after Gasly was allowed to take Fernando Alonso’s vacant seat at Alpine, with the Dutchman turning 28 in early February.
So while he’s not the youngest rookie ever in Formula 1, Red Bull motorsport adviser Helmut Marko said in October that he believes De Vries should step into Gasly’s role as team leader at AlphaTauri next season. together with Yuki Tsunoda.
Verstappen understands Marko’s reasoning behind this viewpoint, but added that his talent and feel for a car will be crucial in helping AlphaTauri move up the standings in 2023.
“In a way, I understand that,” Max Verstappen told the Dutch edition of Motorsport.com of Marko’s positioning over De Vries as a possible team principal.
“Nyck is a bit older anyway and has gained a lot of experience in other championships.
“Nyck may have to get used to Formula 1 a bit at first, like everyone obviously, but he knows perfectly how to handle a racing car.
“I think Nyck also feels the car quite well and that’s exactly what AlphaTauri needs. They forgive Pierre there, of course, and for this they again need someone with experience in general. Someone who can get in the car and hopefully steer them in the right direction soon.”
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De Vries enters Formula 1 as a Formula 2 and Formula E champion, as well as holding two world karting titles from his youth amongst his other successes in the junior series.
Coupled with his role as Mercedes reserve driver, which saw him take on some third-driver duties with customer teams McLaren, Aston Martin and Williams last season, he was already well positioned within the Formula 1 paddock, but his substitute performance at Monza was what helped seal his place on the full-time grid this year.
Verstappen praised Marko for supporting his compatriot in this way, believing it is a hallmark of Red Bull that they put their faith in talent when they show it on the track.
“Of course, I knew a little before the announcement in Japan that the news would come. Obviously it’s a wonderful opportunity for him,” said the two-time world champion.
“He’s been working towards this for a long time and so it’s great that the opportunity has come now.
“After Monza, I think there was no discussion. And I also have to say: Helmut is the kind of man who only puts you in the car if he likes something, while the other teams are often more cautious. But that’s also the great thing about Red Bull. Anyway, I know Nyck very well, so he’s just cute.
