In the 2023 season, Nyck de Vries was replaced just after 10 Grands Prix into the F1 season. The Dutchman was given the chance to perform alongside Yuki Tsunoda, but he was eventually replaced by Daniel Ricciardo. Speaking to Autosprint, the Red Bull advisor explained that was the biggest mistake of his career.
Marko: 'De Vries was my biggest mistake'
In 2022, Nyck de Vries could make his F1 debut, driving for Williams. Similarly to Oliver Bearman in the '24 season, the Dutchman replaced a driver out with appendicitis, that time, it was Alexander Albon. As the Dutchman impressed, he was then given a seat at AlphaTauri. However, as results were disappointing, the former F2 champion was then replaced by Ricciardo.
When asked about his biggest mistake ever, top advisor Helmut Marko answered: "My biggest mistake? Nyck de Vries, without a doubt. He had done very well on his debut for Williams at Monza, but when he joined us he didn't improve. He had a great CV, but the stopwatch indicated he was not fast enough. Then when he tried to go faster, he made mistakes."
De Vries is now a competing for Mahindra Racing in Formula E, after he returned to the series last year and also competed in WEC. Moreover, a return to F1 could also be on the cards as a McLaren reserve driver, after it was announced that Ryo Hirakawa joins Alpine.
This article was written in collaboration with Cas van de Kleut
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