Promotion for Nyck de Vries: chance of a Formula 1 session in Australia

Nyck de Vries appeared out of nowhere in the Melbourne paddock on Friday. The Dutchman has, of course, been there more often in the past, but since taking on the role of simulator driver for McLaren, former Formula E driver had not been seen there.

There is a good reason De Vries was seen in papaya colours in Melbourne: he is serving as McLaren’s reserve driver this weekend, McLaren confirmed to GPblog. This is a promotion for De Vries, as at the start of the season, the Dutchman was not named as a reserve by McLaren.

F2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli and Pato O’Ward were designated as reserve drivers for the 2026 Formula 1 season, but neither is present in Melbourne. GPblog understands O’Ward will only take up reserve duties after the IndyCar season, and Fornaroli will not begin his role until the end of March. The Italian will do so after completing a TPC (Testing of Previous Cars) session for the Woking-based team.

It is unknown who will act as McLaren’s reserve driver at the Chinese Grand Prix. It will not be De Vries, as he is only serving as McLaren’s reserve in Australia. Fornaroli will be present in China, but will not yet officially be the reserve driver.

As a result, De Vries makes a one-off return to the paddock where he was seen for many years. He first appeared as a Formula 3 and Formula 2 driver. As an F2 driver, he ultimately won the title, but initially did not get the chance in Formula 1.

De Vries eventually made it to Formula 1 via a detour. As Mercedes’ reserve, he stayed on the radar and made his F1 debut as a stand-in for Alexander Albon at Williams in 2022. His ninth-place finish on debut earned him a seat at AlphaTauri for the 2023 season, but it didn’t last long. After ten Grands Prix, he was replaced by Daniel Ricciardo.