Nyck de Vries says he was determined to make the most of the "momentum and buzz" generated by his remarkable F1 debut at the Italian Grand Prix to help him secure a full-time seat on the grid for 2023.
De Vries was drafted in by Williams at the last hour at Monza to substitute for an ill Alex Albon. With just a single FP3 session under his belt, the Dutchman qualified P13, but due to a raft of grid drops, he started his race P8 and crossed the checkered flag just one place behind in P9 after a flawless drive.
It was a fully deserved result for the 27-year-old rookie that did wonders for his stock. And de Vries was determined to leverage on the standout performance to serve his potential F1 interests.
"The phone just kept going," he remembered, speaking on the latest episode of F1's Beyond the Grid podcast.
"I really wanted to use the momentum and the buzz that was happening to conquer and create an opportunity for me in Formula 1 in 2023.
"We were obviously in close conversations with Williams for a longer time, and I spoke to Jost [Capito, Team Principal] on the Tuesday after the weekend.
"The Alpine test was already scheduled... It was scheduled way before Monza; I went to the Alpine facilities just ahead of Spa [in August]."
But a dinner with Max Verstappen back home in Monaco, just 24 hours after his Monza feat, was the moment that set his F1 future in motion. The reigning world champion urged his countryman to make one important phone call.
"I had dinner with Max on Monday evening in Monaco to kind of celebrate [the weekend]," he explained.
"We talked about it openly, about the possibilities and opportunities. We talked about potentially AlphaTauri, Dr Marko, and that’s how it went. Later that week I was seen in Graz."
©Williams
Indeed, de Vries had traveled to Marko's hometown to meet with the Red Bull motorsport boss, and he did so on his own, with no manager in sight as the Dutchman typically carries out his own negotiations.
“We had a great time together," he added. "We spent two days eating Austrian local food, talking about the future together.
"He has a good sense of humour and we respected each other.
"I think he appreciated me for being there, representing myself, and having the conversations with him directly.
"Red Bull is all about performance and winning, and I share that, so it was very straightforward and enjoyable.
"Obviously [the deal] was not entirely in our hands; it was a bit more complicated, as everyone understands. But basically, that trip made me understand that there was a very good chance I could be on the grid in 2023."
An agreement with Red Bull was struck in short order for de Vries to replace Alpine-bound Pierre Gasly at AlphaTauri next season alongside Yuki Tsunoda.
At 27, it's a tardy promotion to F1 for de Vries, but the talented racer is determined to work overtime to catch up with his more experienced colleagues.
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
