Rookie de Vries to take Hamilton's seat for French GP FP1
Thursday, 21 July 2022
Formula 1® mandates rookies need to drive at least two FP1 sessions during a season.
Lewis Hamilton will step aside for the first practice session at the French Grand Prix this week to give Nyck de Vries his opportunity for Mercedes.
The Silver Arrows have confirmed that Dutchman De Vries will get his opportunity to get behind the wheel of the W13 at the Circuit Paul Ricard on Friday.
It is a mandatory Formula 1® ruling that rookie drivers get two practice sessions per season.
Mercedes tweeted on Friday: "This weekend @nyckdevries will be taking the wheel of W13 for FP1.
"Lewis has chosen this weekend to fulfil the first of two young driver sessions required by all teams this season. George [Russell] has selected one later in the year."
Hamilton secured three consecutive third-placed finishes before the mid-season break.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff is hopeful the team can make further strides ahead of round 12 in France.
He said: "Third and fourth in Austria was a satisfying result for the whole team, particularly given the position we were in on Friday evening.
"The team worked miracles to have two complete race cars ready for the Sprint and Grand Prix. Twenty-seven points on Sunday were a good reward for that effort.
"We scored three podiums in the first seven races, and we have now achieved four in the last four. I'm pleased with the momentum we are building, and it reflects the mammoth effort of the team.
"Our understanding of the W13 is growing with every lap and it's encouraging to see that reflected in our development and results.
"While we were quicker in Austria, we still weren't quick enough to challenge at the front. We need to keep chasing those final few tenths and bringing new developments to the cars, including this weekend in France.
"Paul Ricard is a very different track and challenge. It has smooth tarmac and a wide range of corner types, along with long straights. The aim will be to make further inroads on the gap to the front and hopefully be back on the podium.
"Nyck is replacing Lewis in first practice this weekend, as part of the allocated sessions for young drivers this year. So, we're looking forward to seeing how he gets on."
This weekend @nyckdevries will be taking the wheel of W13 for FP1. 👊
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) July 20, 2022
Lewis has chosen this weekend to fulfil the first of two young driver sessions required by all teams this season. George has selected one later in the year. pic.twitter.com/aNimIvCClU
