Williams could be thinking of replacing Latifi.
Nyck de Vries, champion of the 2021 Formula E season, will test the Williams FW44 during free practice for the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix next Friday. The Dutchman has been pointed out as a possible replacement for Nicholas Latifi in the event that the Grove team finally decides to replace the Canadian due to his lack of results.
De Vries, who this season is also racing in Formula E with Mercedes, was one of the contenders for this year’s Williams seat, but it was eventually taken by Alex Albon. And, although Williams has assured that Latifi will continue to be the starting driver until the end of the season, they know that with him they are losing points and good results.
The Canadian, who is in his third season in the premier class, scored points in the year in two races and inadvertently became the protagonist of the end of the course due to the accident that caused the red flag in the decisive Abu Dhabi GP. This year, his performance has lagged far behind that of his teammate, Albon, who already has three points.
The jump of De Vries to one of the Williams seats during Free Practice 1 of the Spanish GP officially responds to the obligation that this year the teams have to give one of their cars to a young driver in the first practice session of at least Two Grand Prix.
However, if we take into account previous contacts, we can assume that this is also a test with a view to the future, either with a view to a replacement this season or next.
In addition, Williams will be able to compare the pace, times and sensations of De Vries and Latifi in the same session, since the Dutchman will take Alex Albon’s seat in the first practice session.
“First of all, I want to thank Williams for the opportunity to run in Free Practice 1. It’s fantastic for me to get to know the team and drive the FW44, as well as driving in an F1 weekend. The preparation for the test is going well and the team is helping me a lot. I am looking forward to participating in the full experience in Spain”, said De Vries.
In recent times, De Vries has been a test driver for Mercedes F1, work that he has combined with that of the star brand’s driver in Formula E. Champion of the electric category last season, this weekend achieved one of the two victories at stake in Berlin.
