‘A lot of sharing and talking’ |

As a factory driver of Mercedes’ Formula E formation and reserve driver of the Mercedes Formula 1 team, Nyck de Vries has increasingly to do with Toto Wolff. The two get to know each other better and better, and share their ‘very competitive’ streak.

De Vries tells this in conversation with selected media, including FORMULE 1 Magazine. De Vries naturally became Formula E world champion for Mercedes last weekend, and did so under the watchful eye of Wolff – the motorsport chief of Mercedes and team principal of the Formula 1 team of the German brand with the star.

Also read: De Vries about his world title, parties and the F1 rumors: ‘It is not impossible’

“It was very special to experience Toto last weekend and to see how compassionate he was”, says De Vries in response to a question from FORMULE 1 Magazine, looking back on the Formula E final weekend in Berlin. “Of course he has been to Formula E weekends before. He always stays correct and neat in the background. After all, everyone has their function. And we have our own team boss in Ian James.”

“However, you could see that Toto is an enthusiast, with a big motorsport heart”, says De Vries. “He was also on the track every morning at a quarter past seven. He was in every meeting, participating in every conversation. Sometimes we even heard him on the intercom during meetings.” De Vries also got to know Wolff better last weekend. “We shared a lot all weekend and talked a lot.”

In addition to receiving congratulations from Wolff after the race on Sunday and winning the title, De Vries also shared their frustration. “The first thing we both talked about was that we were disappointed that we didn’t make the podium. I think that was really in it. We both thought it was a shame, even though we had won the title. I think that shows that we are both very competitive.”

Power player Wolff

Wolff is of course not a bad ‘player’ to know. The Austrian is a power player in global motorsport, including Formula 1. In addition to the Mercedes team, he also manages the careers of several premier class drivers. Wolff has also praised De Vries in that regard. According to him, the 26-year-old Dutchman deserves a place in Formula 1.

Also read: Wolff: ‘De Vries and Vandoorne deserve a chance in Formula 1’

“Of course I feel honoured,” says De Vries about what those statements do to him. “It feels good at all when you read that people are talking about you and people are talking about you left to a possible spot in Formula 1.” De Vries is mentioned as a possible candidate for Williams, which drives with Mercedes engines, for 2022.

‘Not impossible’

The Formula E world champion ‘doesn’t have to lie’ that he dreams of Formula 1. “I’m still young, so it’s not impossible.” At the same time, De Vries continues, he does not have it in his own hands and does not know what his future looks like. “All I can do is perform. That way I can open doors and enforce opportunities.” A world title on your CV can of course not hurt. Nor is a good relationship with Wolff.

The Grand Prix of the Netherlands will take place from 3 to 5 September in Zandvoort. Prepare optimally for the return of Formula 1 to the dunes with the Dutch GP Box from FORMULE 1 Magazine.