How important is it for De Vries to perform well in Italy?

Nyck de Vries will make his Formula 1 racing debut during the weekend before the Italian Grand Prix. The Dutchman replaces Alexander Albon at Williams, as the driver has suffered appendicitis and is unable to race. It is a great opportunity for De Vries, but the Formula E driver will have to leave a good impression.

De Vries' name has been mentioned in the F1 paddock for a while now. The Dutchman may have a chance to win a seat at Williams for 2023, but De Vries has competition. With Alexander Albon's contract set for renewal, there is only one vacant seat, but it is not yet certain whether the team will part with Nicholas Latifi. Although the Canadian is not the best performer, he does bring in a lot of money. Williams can use this money as the team is still at the back of the grid.

De Vries is not the only one to consider Latifi, as Formula 2 driver and Williams junior Logan Sargeant is also on the team's list. Actually Williams had counted on the arrival of Oscar Piastri, but the Australian now leaves for McLaren. Therefore Williams must now suddenly make a choice between Latifi, Sargeant and De Vries. How important is it for De Vries to get a good result in Italy this weekend?

De Vries can be convincing at Monza

Firstly, De Vries can show what he can do alongside Latifi. There is no better comparison in F1 than between two teammates, and De Vries will be able to prove himself alongside the Canadian. While Latifi is more experienced and familiar with Williams' methods, it is no secret that the Canadian is not getting the best results for the team. If De Vries shows at Monza that he can match or even beat Latifi, it will only help his application as a Williams driver in 2023.

De Vries' debut is unexpected due to Albon's illness, but as Mercedes' reserve driver De Vries is well prepared for a last-minute F1 debut. Monza can only help, as Williams looks fast at the Italian circuit. The track does not have very special characteristics, making De Vries's F1 debut fairly 'easy'. This will only work to his advantage if he is to convince Williams of his talent. In addition, there are at least nine drivers who will take a grid penalty on Sunday this weekend. This will certainly move De Vries up a number of places, who may well end up in the top ten on Sunday.

De Vries next year Williams driver?

De Vries is also fortunate to have already driven for Aston Martin in the first free practice session on Friday. As a result, the 27-year-old has already had a chance to familiarise himself with the circuit in the new 2022 F1 cars. The Dutchman is likely to be the first driver ever to drive two different cars in the same race weekend. Stirling Moss is the only driver ever to have done so, but that was for the same team with different constructors in the 1960s, when the sport looked a lot different.

One thing is certain: De Vries' F1 debut could not have come at a better time. With a chance of winning the Williams seat for 2023, the Dutchman can convince the team of his talent if he performs well this weekend. Who knows, maybe the Monza weekend will be the deciding factor for Williams. It will not be the first time that a driver has been allowed to drive a full season for a team after just one stint. Stoffel Vandoorne impressed on his F1 debut in 2016 by finishing tenth for McLaren as a replacement for Fernando Alonso. Later that year, the Belgian signed a contract for the following season.