Formula 1: 4 possible replacements for Daniel Ricciardo
By Ian Higgins
2. Nyck de Vries (Mercedes-EQ Formula E Team)
One of the prized drivers of the Mercedes Junior Team, 2019 Formula 2 champion Nyck de Vries is another young talent with the resume to compete with the likes of Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc who has been overlooked in favor of money and/or experience.
Alongside his Formula 2 championship, de Vries also won the most recent Formula E championship to further solidify his reputation.
In a series that accentuates wheel-to-wheel battling on tight street circuits, de Vries has shown the racing experience to not falter under the pressure of battling cemented figures in Formula 1. More likely to pose an issue though is the significant difference in machinery from Formula E.
With similar acceleration figures, Formula E positions itself as a form of motorsport with lower average top speeds and plenty of low-speed corners throughout the calendar, as well as a less impactful aero package.
Despite being a youth talent who has been waiting in the wings the longest for his rightful chance behind the wheel of Formula 1 equipment, there are not only veteran options with applicable experience in Formula 1 (e.g. Stoffel Vandoorne) but younger drivers such as Oscar Piastri who would benefit far more from the opportunity than the 27-year-old Dutchman would.