Hamilton reveals father tried to get De Vries into F1

Lewis Hamilton has revealed that his father Anthony once tried to get Nyck De Vries a seat in Formula 1.

The Mercedes reserve driver was called into action for his Grand Prix debut during the Italian Grand Prix for Williams as Alex Albon was struck down with appendicitis.

2019 Formula 2 champion De Vries qualified 13th, but started eighth due to grid penalties and came home a solid ninth to bank two points.

He also survived a stewards' investigation for driving erratically behind the Safety Car - but was left off with a reprimand.

And Hamilton, who is keen to see De Vries promoted into a full-time F1 race seat, while revealing his father tried to help the Dutch driver.

Anthony Hamilton and De Vries

Anthony Hamilton was famously Lewis's manager during the latter's early F1 career with McLaren, before they split ways in 2010.

The elder Hamilton then became manager to the likes of Paul di Resta with De Vries also on McLaren's books at the time as a junior driver.

"Nyck is a very talented driver, I knew him when he was very young," Hamilton explained to media including RacingNews365.com.

"When I was at McLaren, my father tried to help him get into Formula 1.

"He is really valuable to our team, and he does a lot for us in the simulator and he is always positive.

"I was so happy to hear that he got the chance to drive a GP weekend. He deserves a place in Formula 1 in my opinion."

De Vries has a number of options for a full F1 race seat for 2023, although the two logical seats are at Williams or Alpine.

The latter is holding a three-day test at the Hungaroring next week with De Vries one of a number of drivers set to take part.

Alternatively, he could stay at Williams, potentially replacing Nicholas Latifi for 2023 if they decide not to extend the Canadian stay in F1 for a fourth season.