Sebastian Vettel hands over the wheel to Nyck De Vries

Sebastian Vettel hands over the wheel to Nyck De Vries

Former world champion Vettel will not run FP1 at the Monza Grand Prix; Nyck De Vries will run in his place.

First surprise for the weekend in Monza: four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel gives up the steering wheel for FP1 to Nyck De Vries. For the 27-year-old Dutchman this year it is the third FP1 this season, the previous ones being with Williams in place of Albon and with Mercedes, replacing Hamilton.

De Vries was world champion in Formula-E with the Mercedes-Benz EQ team in the 2020-2021 season, while he finished ninth in the drivers’ championship last season.

Aston Martin made this decision because under the regulations all teams are required to complete two free practice sessions with drivers who have competed in no more than two Grands Prix.