Nyck De Vries standout performance in the Italian Grand Prix will do his chances no-harm of landing a full-time race seat for 2023. Drafted in at the 11th hour to replace the appendicitis-stricken Alex Albon at Williams, the Dutch driver qualified a strong 13th and actually started in eighth place due to various grid penalties. The 2020/21 Formula E champion drove a composed race to bank a ninth-place finish and two world championship points for his efforts - which were confirmed after a stewards investigation for possible "erratic driving" behind the Safety Car in the closing stages. De Vries is keen to make a full-time graduation to Grand Prix racing for 2023, with RacingNews365.com revealing that he is high on Alpine's wish-list as they look to fill their vacant slot alongside Esteban Ocon.
More options for De Vries
De Vries has a good chance of landing at Alpine for 2023, although the French-owned team is believed to be leaning towards giving Formula 2 racer Jack Doohan promotion for '24. It means any deal with the Enstone-based squad would be a short-term one as Ocon is locked into a long-term contract. During the Italian GP weekend, Haas and Williams were also linked with De Vries - both with potential vacancies for next season. Mick Schumacher is unlikely to continue at Haas after two seasons, with Nicholas Latifi's prospects of a fourth season dwindling - especially after being out-qualified and raced by De Vries who only had two hours in the car all year before going out to qualify. Williams boss Jost Capito praised De Vries' efforts through the weekend and told him that no matter what would happen in the race, it would not affect their relationship.
What does De Vries say?
"I feel like I wouldn't miss-stand on this grid," De Vries explained to media including RacingNews365.com "I think this weekend has been a good performance. But, we're always expected to perform and do a good job. "It's not up to me to decide any driver lineup. "This world is very volatile, and it's not only merit that counts, so it's out of my control. "But this, no one can take away from me. So regardless of what happens in the future, whether I'm here or not, I can still look back on a proud debut and first moment in Formula 1 and I enjoyed it. "Every time you get the chance to drive a Formula 1 car, that is the kind of the job interview audition and you've got to take those opportunities. "But you also have to use it sensibly because there's always the trade off between doing too much or too little."
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