De Vries learnings at Mercedes 'won't be helpful' to Red Bull

Mercedes is pleased to see Nyck de Vries receive a full-time seat in Formula 1, but technical director Mike Elliott says the knowledge garnered by the Dutchman with the German outfit is unlikely to benefit his future employer Red Bull.

As a reserve driver with Mercedes, de Vries has spent many race weekends in the Brackley squad's garage and sitting in on technical debriefs.

But ahead of the recent Singapore Grand Prix weekend, after the announcement of his transfer to AlphaTauri for 2023, de Vries' access to technical data at Mercedes was logically limited.

However, the 27-year-old will remain affiliated with the team until the end of the season, and he's also expected to replace George Russell in FP1 in Mexico as Mercedes completes its mandatory young driver practice session obligations for 2022.

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"We're really pleased for him, for the opportunity he's got," said Elliott. "Maybe a shame where he's going, but that's what it is.

"I think he deserves the opportunity, I think he's shown he's a very good driver. Having him in the garage has been brilliant, he's a really nice guy, very switched on, and he understands the car."

Elliott has no concerns over de Vries taking knowledge or sensitive data with him to AlphaTauri.

"And so I think we have faith in him that we can put him in the car, we can do tests with him, and we can trust him to not be looking at the things we don't want him to look at, and I think he'll do a good job," he added.

Elliott noted that de Vries' commitment to Formula E with Mercedes has meant that simulator time back at Brackley as been limited for the Dutchman.

"He's done some," said the British engineer. "Obviously, he's been driving Formula E as well, which takes up a big chunk of his time.

"But again, F1 changes so fast that learning comes at such a pace that what he's done a year ago isn't probably particularly helpful to him.

"I think more what he might take away from here is the way we work together, our processes and our systems.

"As I said, I guess what we want is to wish him luck. I think he's been very honourable in the way he's dealt with us, so no concerns."

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