Nyck de Vries’s name has been mentioned many times in the Formula 1 paddock. Taking the Formula 2 championship in 2019 and securing the Formula E championship in 2021, the Dutchman has been the front runner for a seat in Formula 1; should an opportunity open up in either Mercedes or Williams.

He has already taken part in an official Grand Prix event with Williams in Barcelona. De Vries is also part of the Mercedes program. He currently splits his time as a test and reserve driver for the F1 team. As many believe he deserves an F1 seat, but Frans Verschuur thinks otherwise. 

Former racing driver lashes out at Nyck de Vries

Former boss of Jos Verstappen said that Nyck hasn’t impressed him enough. While Frans is known for making very harsh comments, in an interview, he was very critical of the Mercedes Formula E driver. Verschuur explained that De Vries’s achievements haven’t earned him a Formula 1 seat. 

Talking to Race Cafe of Ziggo Sport, the former racing driver made his thoughts known. “He is a hopeless pancake for me’, Frans began. “Becoming Formula 2 champions after three years, pooh pooh, we would have become that too”

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“Eight boys drop out in Formula E and then he becomes champion,” said the Dutchman and making it clear that he isn’t a fan of his fellow compatriot.

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Lastly, Frans also doesn’t agree with the Formula E driver’s attitude. He concluded, “You know what’s worse, that guy’s arrogance.”

Can Nyck de Vries make it to Formula 1 in 2023?

So the question has to be asked, is Frans Verschuur’s criticisms of Nyck de Vries valid? While Nyck has stated that his focus is on Formula E, he has been linked to a potential switch to Williams in 2023; replacing Nicholas Latifi. With Alex Albon doing well at Williams and trying for points every weekend, the possibility of a second seat being open for Vries is very high. 

After the FP1 session in Spain, the head of Vehicle Performance, Dave Robson, spoke very highly of the Dutchman. However, Robson also noted that Williams won’t be running Nyck for another FP1 session later this year. This should clearly give an idea that De Vries isn’t on top of the Grove outfit’s priority. 

Ahead of his run in Barcelona, Vries was asked about his future. He said, “That’s a little bit out of my hands. For me, what was most important was to do a good job here – not only taking future perspectives into consideration, but more for me as an individual.” 

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But with interests coming from various categories such as Endurance Championship and Indycar, it seems like these non-F1 deals look more lucrative. Hence, with very few opportunities available in the world of Formula 1, it seems unlikely that he will be driving for an F1 team soon.