Nyck de Vries, the reigning Formula E champion, says speculations of a switch to Formula One with the Williams squad next season are “new to me.”
Williams has surfaced as a prospective destination team for brilliant Alpine juvenile Oscar Piastri in 2023, as F1 analysts discuss the future of the talented Alpine junior, whom the French outfit will be attempting to loan out to a rival firm next season.
Veteran F1 reporter Joe Saward, in a recent blog post, stated that the Grove-based team is unlikely to offer Piastri an F1 apprenticeship if the young driver plans to return to Alpine in 2024 or later.
Instead, Williams would be better served bringing in de Vries, who met with the British club last season before signing Alex Albon for 2022.
Williams, according to Saward, is keeping an eye on the Dutchman. However, the works Mercedes-EQ Formula E driver is unaware of this.
“These rumours are new to me,” de Vries told GPFans. “I have no idea where you read them or where you came across them. But then I’m very curious where they got that from, because honestly, I have no idea.”
While de Vries claims he hasn’t spoken to Williams about his plans for 2023, the 27-year-old – who is presently a reserve driver for both Mercedes and McLaren – still hopes to compete full-time in Formula One.
“Of course, Formula 1 is a dream,” he said. “That is a dream for every young driver, but otherwise I think it is still quite early in the season. We are only at the sixth race in our championship.”
