Verstappen happy for De Vries: "I hope he will enjoy it"

Suddenly there are two Dutchmen on the Formula 1 grid. Besides Max Verstappen, Nyck de Vries will also compete at the Italian Grand Prix, making his GP debut in the premier class of motorsport.

The news came as a big surprise to De Vries, who after free practice with Aston Martin thought his F1 work was done for the rest of the weekend but was suddenly told he must fill in for Alexander Albon. For De Vries, this marks his Grand Prix debut in a completely unexpected way.

Verstappen is happy that De Vries has been given this opportunity and believes Monza is an excellent place to do so. "It was very unexpected of course, but very nice for Nyck. And in the end it's also a great weekend to join Williams, because they were competitive at Spa and again here," the Red Bull Racing driver told Viaplay.

For De Vries, it meant his weekend took a pretty dramatic turn, and the Mercedes reserve admitted he was extremely nervous. Verstappen, who may start alongside De Vries in the race, hopes the driver can also enjoy his debut a little. "I hope he enjoys it too, because it is special. I hope nothing bad happens in the first lap for Nyck and that he can drive a good race," Verstappen concluded.