De Vries retains McLaren simulator role; Pizzonia arrested in Texas

Nyck de Vries is set to continue his relationship with McLaren into the 2026 season as a permanent simulator driver, reinforcing the team's technical backbone. In a stark contrast to the paddock's technical focus, former F1 driver Antonio Pizzonia faced legal trouble in the U.S., arrested following an incident at his son's karting event.

Why it matters:

Simulator drivers like de Vries are the unsung heroes of modern F1, providing critical data that translates directly to track performance and car development. Meanwhile, Pizzonia's arrest sheds light on the volatile nature of parental pressure in junior motorsport, serving as a reminder of the intense emotions involved in the sport from the grassroots level up.

The details:

• McLaren Retention: De Vries, who previously raced for AlphaTauri and is a Formula E champion, returned to the Woking-based squad in 2025. His role involves extensive work in the simulator to refine car setups for race drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
• Texas Incident: Antonio Pizzonia was arrested on Saturday in Texas during the 2026 Superkarts! USA Winter Series.
• The Explanation: The Brazilian driver took to social media to explain his actions, stating he acted instinctively to defend his son, Antonio Pizzonia Neto. He has since been released following the arrest reported by TMZ Sports.

Looking Ahead:

As McLaren gears up for the 2026 campaign, de Vries' input will be vital in developing the new regulations package. For Pizzonia, the incident serves as an unfortunate distraction and a potential legal hurdle as he supports his son's budding racing career.