Webber: De Vries struggling with 'tough on rookies' F1

Mark Webber believes a big part of Nyck de Vries' struggles are due to the tough challenges faced by young drivers in their first season of Formula 1.

At 27, de Vries enjoyed a belated entry into Grand Prix racing when he was called upon by Williams to substitute Alex Albon at last year's Italian Grand Prix.

The Dutchman's impressive top-ten finish at Monza earned him a seat with AlphaTauri for this year, but it's been a trying time so far for the former FIA Formula 2 and Formula E champion.

But Webber reckons de Vries is slowly but surely reaching the end of his early rookie tribulations in F1.

"Nyck has of course had a difficult start, but he can be quite satisfied with the past two race weekends," commented Webber, quoted by Motorsport.com.

"I think he will get into it a bit better from now on. This is the elite of the elite, but I think Nyck is there and can get through this. I’m confident he can."

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The scarcity of testing opportunities in Formula 1 poses significant challenges for young drivers who ascend to the pinnacle of motorsport.

These aspiring talents face a daunting transition from lower racing categories to the world of Formula 1, where the technical complexities and processes demand substantial acclimatization.

Webber, who looks after the interests of young McLaren rookie Oscar Piastri, believes F1's current format is the toughest ever faced by newcomers.

"It’s so difficult these days for new guys coming into Formula 1," added the former Red Bull charger. "In my view, it’s harder now in Formula 1 than ever before for rookies.

"There are almost no more testing opportunities, so that a lot of the learning process has to take place during the race weekends.

"For drivers who already have experience, that is of course a nice advantage. But for newcomers, Formula 1 in the first year or perhaps even for the first few years has become a tough class."

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