De Vries candid about F1 departure: 'I don't sit in a corner crying'

Red Bull Content Pool

F1 News

De Vries reacts to F1 departure for first time
6 January at 09:45
2
  • Kada Sarkozi
  • Editor

His Formula 1 adventure did not go as hoped, but nevertheless Nyck de Vries has plenty to look forward to in 2024: he will return to Formula E and compete in the WEC on behalf of Toyota. De Vries was determined not to throw in the towel after his early exit from AlphaTauri and tells his story about that event for the first time.

De Vries talks about F1 exit for first time

De Vries is certainly not in the doldrums since he had to make way for Daniel Ricciardo at AlphaTauri after driving just 10 races for the F1 team. As a result, he says he feels just fine. Of course it was a difficult period for the 28-year-old Dutchman, but he says he has been able to put it into perspective quickly.

"I have been hugely supported, altogether I think I received about 4,000 messages. That has done me good. I can sit in a corner crying, but that will not benefit anyone. Of course it hurt. I don't think that's surprising. But everyone experiences good times and more difficult times. And yes, pain is also part of life," he told De Telegraaf.

In his rookie year at AlphaTauri, he could not live up to expectations. He was eventually shown the door after just 10 races by Red Bull Racing advisor Helmut Marko, who decided Ricciardo was the better candidate. Despite this, De Vries does not harbour any resentment towards his former employer.

At the same time, the decision did not come as a total surprise. "Whether it is fair or just, that is actually totally irrelevant to me. Nor do I hold any grudge at all towards Helmut Marko or towards Daniel Ricciardo or his temporary replacement Liam Lawson. That is part of the business. I am very grateful for the opportunity I have been given," De Vries said.