Nyck de Vries Finds "Enriching" Passion in Rebuilt Motorsport Career

Nyck de Vries describes his current motorsport career as "enriching," finding satisfaction and passion in his diverse racing commitments. After a brief and challenging stint in Formula 1, the Dutchman has successfully rebuilt his career across Formula E and the World Endurance Championship (WEC), alongside a test and simulator role with McLaren F1.

Why it matters:

De Vries' story is a testament to resilience in the cutthroat world of motorsport. His ability to pivot from the disappointment of an F1 exit to a fulfilling, multi-series program highlights the diverse opportunities available in top-tier racing beyond Formula 1. It also underscores a growing trend of drivers excelling in multiple disciplines, leveraging cross-learning experiences.

The Details:

• Current Engagements: De Vries races for Mahindra in Formula E and Toyota in WEC. He also contributes to McLaren F1 as a test and simulator driver.
• F1 Exit: He lost his AlphaTauri F1 seat after just 10 rounds in 2023, a decision that drew considerable criticism.
• Career Rebound: Since his F1 departure, de Vries has experienced a strong comeback, particularly in Formula E.
  • In the 2025 Formula E season, he and Mahindra became regular podium contenders, with de Vries finishing eighth in the drivers' standings with three rostrums.
  • Mahindra finished fourth in the teams' standings, building significant momentum for the upcoming 2026 season.
• Cross-Learning Benefits: De Vries emphasizes that involvement across different series is "very enriching," noting significant "cross-learning." He points out that future F1 regulations are aligning more closely with Formula E and WEC technologies.
• Passion for Racing: "I'm a racer. I want to race," de Vries stated, likening his daily involvement in racing to a footballer touching a ball every day. He views racing as his ultimate passion.

Between the lines:

De Vries remains acutely aware of motorsport's fickle nature, a lesson learned from his abrupt F1 departure. He adopts a pragmatic philosophy: "You've always got to perform, and you're as good as your last race." This mindset keeps him grounded, preventing him from dwelling on past successes or failures, and instead focusing on the immediate challenges and future opportunities. It's a survival mechanism in a sport where careers can turn on a dime.

What's next:

With pre-season testing for the 2026 Formula E season slated for late October in Valencia, de Vries and Mahindra are looking to capitalize on their recent momentum. His diverse program across multiple championships not only keeps his skills sharp but also positions him as a valuable asset, potentially even for future F1 opportunities should the right circumstance arise, particularly given his direct involvement with an F1 team through McLaren.