Wolff sees no permanent F1 place for De Vries: 'Then we have to let him go'

Nyck de Vries was given the chance to prove himself in Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes during the first free practice session in France, but Toto Wolff says the Dutchman cannot count on a permanent seat.

There is a desperate shortage of Formula 1 seats. There are plenty of talents ready to step in, but they are on the sidelines for now. The same goes for De Vries, for whom there is no place as a regular driver at Mercedes for the time being. Wolff says he would like to help the driver with an 'interesting F1 project', but if that fails the Dutchman will have to consider other options.

"I think if we can't provide him with an interesting F1 project, you need to let him go," the Austrian told Sky Sports. According to Wolff, De Vries is considering a switch to another racing class or joining another team in Formula E, from which Mercedes will exit next year.

Wolff therefore does not think he can do much for the Dutchman. "I can't really help him," he continued. "We can't tell another team to look at him and consider him, that would be interfering."