AlphaTauri outcast Nyck de Vries poised to drive for Toyota in 2024 WEC season 

Initially, De Vries had signed to drive the #7 Toyota GR010 HYBRID Le Mans Hypercar for the 2023 season but had a contractual option allowing him to pursue an F1 opportunity.

AlphaTauri outcast Nyck de Vries poised to drive for Toyota in 2024 WEC season 

Nyck de Vries (Via IMAGO)

Nyck De Vries was demoted to the role of AlphaTuari reserve driver after an underwhelming start to his F1 rookie season. He was replaced by Daniel Ricciardo midway through the season due to disappointing results. Following his departure from Formula 1,  De Vries is poised to return to the Motorsports with Toyota to drive for them in the World Endurance Championship.

Nyck de Vries, following his victory in the 2021 Formula E championship, joined Scuderia AlphaTauri as a Formula One driver for the 2023 season. However, after a disappointing start and failing to earn any points in his initial ten races, he was substituted by Ricciardo just before the Hungarian Grand Prix. De Vries’ departure from AlphaTauri generated controversy, as many felt he hadn’t been afforded a fair opportunity to showcase his skills.

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Following his exit from Formula 1, there is anticipation surrounding Nyck de Vries’ potential return to the World Endurance Championship with Toyota. Initially, De Vries had signed to drive the #7 Toyota GR010 HYBRID Le Mans Hypercar for the 2023 season but had a contractual option allowing him to pursue an F1 opportunity. Toyota has not disclosed any details regarding a race agreement with De Vries, keeping the situation under wraps.

Toyota Team Director Rob Leupen acknowledged the possibility by saying, as reported by Autosports, “I’m always in contact with Nyck because we are both Dutch! I think Nyck has a lot of opportunities,…We are also in a good situation with our [current] driver line-up. I think our current driver line-up is superb. From that point of view, I would say there is no issue.”

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Mercedes’ Mick Schumacher is rumored to join Alpine in the WEC

Mick Schumacher, the young German driver, faced substantial challenges during his Formula 1 career with the Haas team. In addition to driving one of the least competitive cars on the grid, he was involved in some serious accidents that incurred significant repair expenses for the American team. Despite his talent, Schumacher could not gain a  seat after the 2022 season.

Toto Wolff and Mick Schumacher (via Planet F1)
Toto Wolff and Mick Schumacher (via Planet F1)

There have been numerous reports discussing Mick Schumacher’s potential associations with Alpine. However, these links do not include his involvement with the French company’s Formula 1 team. Instead, there are indications that he might be engaged in discussions with Alpine’s World Endurance Championship (WEC) team. Amid the talks between Schumacher and Alpine, Toto Wolff has acknowledged these negotiations for a potential outcome.

“If he can get a seat with another manufacturer in the WEC, in sportscars or somewhere else, he will always have this home base here,” said Toto Wolff. He also acknowledged that Mick Schumacher could be a reserve driver for Mercedes and pursue other racing ambitions, showcasing a flexible arrangement that allows Schumacher to balance Formula 1 and other motorsport opportunities.

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