It is starting to look more and more like we will see two Dutchmen at the start of the Formula 1 season next year. Nyck de Vries is frequently linked to AlphaTauri and the deal seems to be a formality. Helmut Marko confirmed talks with De Vries, but stated that no agreement has yet been reached.

Clarity around GP Japan

"Negotiations are still going on. I assume it will all become clear in Suzuka," Marko told Austrian television channel ORF. De Vries should then become Pierre Gasly 's successor. The Frenchman is about to sign a contract with Alpine. He in turn replaces Fernando Alonso, who is leaving for Aston Martin.

Gasly is still under contract with AlphaTauri until 2023, but the 26-year-old driver is all too keen to make the switch to a factory team. Marko grants him that step. Colton Herta was the favourite to replace Gasly, but due to the lack of a super licence, AlphaTauri has now ended up with De Vries.

"First the Gasly issue has to be settled. After that, it will be decided who will come to AlphaTauri. For AlphaTauri, it should not be a backward step. That means it has to be a high-profile and fast driver," Marko says. As a Formula 2 and Formula E champion, De Vries would fit that profile in the eyes of the decision-makers. "After his performances in the various Friday practice sessions, I think Nyck is a good candidate."

No F1 deal De Vries yet

French Canal+ earlier on Friday reported a full agreement between De Vries and AlphaTauri. Marko thus refutes that, but a deal seems to be a matter of time.