De Vries set for Williams FP1 outing at Spanish GP

Williams have confirmed that Nyck de Vries will make his Formula 1 race weekend debut by contesting FP1 in the FW44 in Barcelona.

As part of a new ruling for the 2022 season, teams must now run a driver with no more than two grands prix of experience during FP1 at two rounds during the campaign.

Williams will be the first team to use one of these mandatory ‘rookie driver’ outings, with de Vries set to replace Alex Albon in what will be his first Formula 1 action during a race weekend, having previously appeared for Mercedes at the Abu Dhabi Young Drivers’ Test.

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De Vries currently serves as reserve driver for both the Mercedes and McLaren teams.

The team can confirm that @nyckdevries will take part in FP1 on Friday, fulfilling one of the two mandated young driver sessions this season

— Williams Racing (@WilliamsRacing) May 16, 2022

Reacting to the announcement, de Vries said: “Firstly, I’d really like to thank Williams for the opportunity to run in FP1.

“It’s great for me to get to know the team and drive the FW44, and also to get myself out on track during a Formula One weekend. Preparation for the test is going well so far and the team have been incredibly supportive of me. I’m very much looking forward to the whole experience in