Criticism on mandatory young driver tests: "I don't think it's correct"

Formula 1 teams are required from this season on to have a young driver drive a free practice session at least twice a season. In Spain Nyck de Vries got the chance to take a seat in the Williams of Alexander Albon.

De Vries made his official Formula 1 debut during the first free practice session in Spain. The Formula 2 and Formula E world champion did well with an eighteenth place. He was even faster than regular Williams driver Nicholas Latifi. Fellow countryman Max Verstappen was happy for the opportunity De Vries got. "I wish Nyck all the best. We are good friends and spend a lot of time together in Monaco," he let the NOS know.

According to Verstappen you never know what opportunities will present themselves for De Vries who, according to the reigning Formula One world champion, should calmly wait and see what happens next, and above all have fun. Although driving in free practice is a great opportunity, Verstappen also has his reservations about it. According to Verstappen, it is a nice opportunity to show yourself, but there is nothing else to gain.

Indeed, there is little to gain in such a first free practice, but a lot to lose. George Russell, teammate of De Vries at Mercedes, has great difficulty because inexperienced Formula 1 drivers are allowed to drive a free practice session just like that. According to the British driver, the pressure is enormous and the whole world is watching. Drivers are also immediately judged for a mistake. "I don't think it's right. You can't really show what you're capable of in a car you hardly know in about twenty laps."

Lewis Hamilton, who also works with De Vries at Mercedes, also has his reservations. "In one hour you can't do that much, but you are being judged. It can be tricky." Fortunately for De Vries, the session worked out well and the Dutchman has been regularly mentioned lately as a substitute for the very disappointing driving Latifi. The Canadian might be replaced during the summer break and De Vries seems to be one of the contenders.