Mercedes hands de Vries FP1 session at French GP

Mercedes has assigned reserve driver Nyck de Vries to this Friday's first practice at the Circuit Paul Ricard as part of F1's mandatory requirement for teams to run a young driver in at least two practice sessions this season.

The reigning Formula E champion and works Mercedes-EQ charger will replace Lewis Hamilton for the occasion.

It will be the Dutchman's second F1 free practice of the year, having enjoyed an outing with Williams at the Spanish Grand Prix back in May.

"Nyck is replacing Lewis in first practice this weekend, as part of the allocated sessions for young drivers this year," commented Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff.

"So, we're looking forward to seeing how he gets on."

Assessing his team's prospects in France next weekend, Wolff is hopeful of Mercedes gaining more ground on its front-running rivals and securing its fifth consecutive podium finish.

"We scored three podiums in the first seven races, and we have now achieved four in the last four," said Wolff.

"I'm pleased with the momentum we are building, and it reflects the mammoth effort of the team. Our understanding of the W13 is growing with every lap and it's encouraging to see that reflected in our development and results.

"While we were quicker in Austria, we still weren't quick enough to challenge at the front. We need to keep chasing those final few tenths and bringing new developments to the cars, including this weekend in France.

"Paul Ricard is a very different track and challenge. It has smooth tarmac and a wide range of corner types, along with long straights.

"The aim will be to make further inroads on the gap to the front and hopefully be back on the podium."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.