De Vries takes 'Russell scenario' into account: 'Found that very understandable'

Nyck de Vries has been promoted to reserve driver at Mercedes. Although the possible arrival of Nico Hulkenberg may devalue that role, the Dutchman is very happy with the chance he has been given by Mercedes.

De Vries became Formula 2 champion in 2019, but a seat in Formula 1 remained out of reach for him. Mercedes picked him up for their Formula E team, however, and in that championship the Dutchman has already made quite an impression. He was promoted and is now on the list of the Mercedes Formula 1 team as a reserve driver for 2021.

The reserve of Mercedes

''I appreciate it very much that they show it in this way. I am very grateful for that. I am very grateful for all the opportunities they have given me so far and the confidence they have shown in me. But at the same time I realise very well how this sport works. You are only as good as your last race. It is always about performing and that is what I focus on,'' De Vries told Motorsport.com.

In 2020, however, George Russell was preferred to reserve driver Stoffel Vandoorne. Is that a scenario De Vries is also considering now? ''I think it depends on the situation. Last year in Bahrain the situation was quite special. They knew very early on that Lewis had tested positive. And we all know how good George is and that he is next in line, so I thought that decision in itself was quite understandable. Of course, you never know if that opportunity will come at all.''

Focus on Formula E

The focus for De Vries, however, will not be on F1. The Dutchman started his second Formula E season last weekend, and in the first race he was allowed to start from pole and won the race. In race two he was disadvantaged when he was not allowed to drive qualifying, but that is part of the electric class from time to time.

''Of course this is a nice gesture from Mercedes, but in the end my priority is Formula E. There we are building a nice team and we have had a good start of the season. That is really where my focus lies,'' concludes the man born in Sneek.