Nyck de Vries to Drive W13 in French GP Free Practice with Mercedes

Mercedes announced on Wednesday that Nyck de Vries will get behind the wheel of Mercedes’ W13 during the opening practice session at the upcoming French Grand Prix weekend, marking another step in the ongoing schedule of junior driver opportunities within Formula 1. The move sees the Dutch driver taking the seat previously reserved for younger talents, as teams balance development with the demands of a demanding race calendar. De Vries, who has spent the season climbing back up the ranks, will join Lewis Hamilton in the cockpit for the session, with the usual emphasis on nurturing emerging talent alongside the regular race drivers. This arrangement aims to satisfy the sport’s requirement that teams provide shared practice time to less experienced pilots, giving them a controlled environment to showcase their pace and adaptability before racing obligations take full effect. Mercedes confirmed the plan through its official channels, clarifying that the decision aligns with the sport’s junior driver program and the broader objectives of cross-team development during a pivotal season.