AlphaTauri are expecting “a lot” from 2023 signing Nick de Virreus and believe his learning period will be “reduced to two challenges” to fully adapt to Formula 1.
Formula E world champion De Vries has just one F1 race, a cameo finish with Williams at this year’s Italian Grand Prix, and has put himself in contention to compete with a number of teams in 2023.
Alfatauri team principal Franz Tost, who has overseen the arrival of many F1 rookies, says new signings typically need two to three seasons to acclimatise. Following this is a trend towards Red Bull’s main F1 team winning or creating an opportunity for another newcomer.
But expectations are high for de Vries, who has no previous involvement with Red Bull and has experience in high-level motorsport outside of F1.
“I expect this learning period for Nick will be reduced to two tests,” Tost said when announcing de Vries’ move at last weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix.
“That means I expect it to be very competitive from the first race in 2023.”
Advertisement | Become a RaceFans fan and
The first of these tests may come this year. Tost de Vries does not expect to be released from his reserve driver contract with Mercedes before the end of the season, but said after the final race: “I hope to see him in the young driver test in Abu Dhabi.”
Teaming up for De Vries next year will be Yuki Shunoda, who has been signed by Alphatari for the third time. The team will want to see a step up from Tsunoda when the more experienced and more successful Pierre Gasly moves to Alpine later this year.
“The team’s direction depends on the car’s performance,” Tost said. “If we have a good car, it’s easier for both drivers. If we have problems in the car, I think that Nick does not have much F1 experience so it will not be easy to fix everything.
“Yuki is still learning – but I think Yuki should be mature enough to provide technical guidance next year. However, I expect a lot from Nick because he has experience from races and championships he has won and if the car works I think we will have a successful year.”
With De Vries unavailable for Alfatauri to take advantage of this year’s free practice session, the team plans to field reserve driver Liam Lawson for the second time this year at either the United States or Mexico City Grand Prix. The regulatory requirement for drivers to run less than three Grands Prix starts at two sessions each season.
Advertisement | Become a RaceFans fan and
2022 Japanese Grand Prix
Browse all 2022 Japanese Grand Prix articles
