Nyck De Vries: Former Formula 2 Champion leading the way in Formula E

Nyck De Vries is currently leading Formula E after claiming victory at Round 5 in Valencia and looks to be on route to winning his first-ever Driver Championship. However, the 26-year-old could have potentially taken a different path to the top of motorsport.

Winning Formula 2 in 2019 has been the career highlight for the Dutch driver, yet he didn’t follow in the footsteps of those before or after him, like George Russell and Mick Schumacher. A large number of F2 champions make their way into Formula 1 and would have a seat amongst the 20 drivers on the grid, but De Vries never had the opportunity.

This hasn’t been an issue though for the Mercedes driver. We’re six races into the season and he currently sits on top of the standings, with teammate Stoffel Vandoorne in hot pursuit, forming a strong one-two punch for the German team ahead of Sam Bird and Jaguar.

Formula 2 Champion

The 2019 Formula 2 season was a tough one for many fans and people involved in the race following the fatal accident suffered by Anthoine Hubert at Spa, but as the races continued after, Nyck De Vries continued his form and was crowned F2 champion.

Driving for ART Grand Prix, De Vries achieved 12 podiums, four being victories, on his way to his 52 point victory over Nicholas Latifi in second. He was by far the most consistent driver that season, only missing out of a top 10 finish twice, both on the final race weekend of the season in Abu Dhabi.

The victory came in his third season in F2, with his fourth team. He drove for Rapax, Racing Engineering and Prema Racing prior to his championship-winning season with ART. At the end of the season, he joined the Mercedes-Benz EQ Formula E team after signing with them in September, whilst still driving in F2.

Reserve driver for Formula 1

During his debut season in Formula E, De Vries and Vandoorne were both called up to be the reserve drivers in Formula 1 for Mercedes. Despite not making an appearance in a COVID-infested F1 season, both drivers have been given the role again this season. This time though, it’s for both Mercedes and McLaren.

Was Formula E a good move?

The Dutchman’s first season in Formula E didn’t go as hoped. A season that was cut short resulted in four races not being completed at the end of the season. In the 11 that he drove in, he achieved a podium in the season finale, finishing second place, which was his best finish of the season. 

So far this season, De Vries has been one of the premier drivers in the sport. He won the season-opener in Saudi Arabia, claiming his first-ever win in FE. He finished ninth in Round 2 but had to retire in both rounds in Rome, which gave Sam Bird and Jaguar the lead.

However, a win in Valencia and thanks to Jake Dennis defying the odds and winning Round 6, the Mercedes driver reclaimed his lead and currently sits on 57 points at the top of the Driver Standings. His teammate, Vandoorne sits in second with 48 points, combining for 105 points for Mercedes and giving them a 23 point lead over Jaguar Racing.

Can Nyck De Vries continue his strong form this season and lead the Driver Standings in Germany in August? Let us know in the comments!