Nyck de Vries Returns to F1 with McLaren Test

Nyck de Vries the former Red Bull and VCARB (formerly AlphaTauri) driver recently tested a Formula 1 car for McLaren at Circuit Paul Ricard. This surprising return to F1 marked another chapter in the Dutchman’s brief but eventful career in the sport. De Vries first made headlines at the 2022 Italian Grand Prix when he stepped in for an unwell Alex Albon at Williams and impressed with a P9 finish.

That performance caught Red Bull’s attention and earned him a seat at their junior team for 2023. However, VCARB replaced him with Daniel Ricciardo after just 10 races. Over a year after his departure, De Vries returned to the track, driving McLaren’s 2022 MCL36 in a test session. The purpose of this test remains unclear but it has sparked speculation about McLaren’s driver development strategy.

McLaren recently saw their junior driver, Formula 2 Championship leader Gabriel Bortoleto, leave to join Sauber ahead of the team’s transformation into Audi’s works outfit in 2026. Audi F1 chief Mattia Binotto confirmed that McLaren did not receive compensation for Bortoleto’s departure, explaining that the driver was “free to leave.”

Bortoleto will now partner with Nico Hülkenberg at Sauber/Audi F1, reuniting the veteran driver with the Hinwil-based team he raced for in 2013. Currently, Sauber ranks at the bottom of the 2024 Constructors’ Championship standings with no points. Nyck de Vries’ McLaren test has intensified speculation about his potential role in Formula 1.

It also suggests that McLaren may be evaluating new talent options as the grid continues to shift heading into 2025 and beyond.