Formula One superstar Lewis Hamilton expressed sympathy for rookie driver Nyck de Vries on Thursday after the 28-year-old Dutchman was abruptly sacked by Alpha Tauri, Red Bull’s junior sister team, following only ten races. Hamilton condemned the way Red Bull operates, stating that it’s not representative of Formula One as a whole.
During a media interaction, the Mercedes’ seven-time world champion was asked about the ruthless nature of Formula One, especially considering the sudden dismissal of Nyck de Vries after finishing last for struggling Alpha Tauri at the British Grand Prix. Hamilton responded, “I would say it’s how Red Bull works.”
Nyck de Vries, who was previously a reserve driver at Mercedes, faced an unexpected departure from Alpha Tauri. The team swiftly offered his seat to Red Bull’s Australian reserve driver Daniel Ricciardo, who will take over for the remainder of the season.
Hamilton stated that he wasn’t surprised to see Ricciardo back on the grid, considering he had been actively participating in drivers’ briefings throughout the year, despite not competing. However, he expressed astonishment at the decision taken by Alpha Tauri, emphasizing Nyck de Vries’ immense talent and amiable personality.
The British champion believes that de Vries’ future remains promising, and he will have numerous excellent opportunities ahead. However, he agreed that allowing a driver only half a season, comprising ten races, to prove themselves was undoubtedly unfair.
Another prominent driver, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, also voiced his sadness over the abrupt decision. He reached out to Nyck de Vries with a supportive message, acknowledging that it must be a challenging time for the young driver.
While Leclerc acknowledged the joy of seeing Daniel Ricciardo back in the paddock, he too expressed concern over the harsh treatment faced by de Vries. The decision to let him go from Alpha Tauri highlights the unforgiving nature of Formula One.
As the sport continues, discussions surrounding driver contracts, team dynamics, and the transient nature of racing careers will persist. The situation with Nyck de Vries serves as a reminder of the pressures and challenges faced by rookies in the highly competitive world of Formula One.
