De Vries back with Mercedes for Mexican GP FP1

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Future AlphaTauri driver Nyck de Vries will enjoy one final outing with Mercedes this weekend in Mexico City when he takes part in the opening practice session at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.

De Vries will fulfil Mercedes’ second mandatory rookie session for 2022. It will be the Dutchman’s fourth FP1 outing this year, having run previously in Barcelona with Williams, at Paul Ricard with Mercedes and at Monza with Aston Martin.

But the high point of de Vries’ season will remain his F1 debut with Williams last month at the Italian Grand Prix where the 27-year-old subbed for an ill Alex Albon and finished a remarkable ninth.

De Vries’ stock skyrocketed after his impressive display and ultimately earned him a full season in F1 with AlphaTauri.

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

The Mercedes reserve driver will replace George Russell in Friday’s FP1.

“Nyck will be replacing George in FP1 this weekend as part of the young driver session allocation,” confirmed Mercedes boss Toto Wolff.

“We are excited to see him back in the W13 and seeing how he performs.”

As it nears the end of its troubled 2022 campaign, Mercedes’ form has improved, with Lewis Hamilton dicing for the lead with race winner Max Verstappen in the closing stages of last weekend’s US Grand Prix.

But Wolff is taking a “cautiously optimistic” stance ahead of this weekend round of racing in Mexico.

“We need to keep this momentum going,” he said. “We’re cautiously optimistic heading to Mexico but the W13 can be unpredictable from track to track, so we’ll have to wait and see.

“It’s always good to be back in Mexico. The fans are fantastic and the atmosphere is spectacular every time we visit. They know how to put on a brilliant show so we’re looking forward to being back in Mexico City.”

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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.