Last weekend, Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff noted during the Formula E race in London that both Stoffel Vandoorne and Nyck de Vries deserve a place in Formula 1.
The so-called ‘silly season’ is getting underway and when someone like Toto Wolff makes a statement like this, it’s enough to get the rumor mill running at full speed. Rumors are mounting that next year we will see George Russell racing at Mercedes alongside Lewis Hamilton.
That means that a seat will become available at the Williams F1 team because Toto Wolff reportedly does not like to see Bottas make the reverse move, he would have nothing against a switch to Alfa Romeo.
During the Formula E race in London, Wolff was a guest at the Mercedes team, where Vandoorne and de Vries are working, and there he mentioned that both drivers certainly have the capabilities to race in F1. Vandoorne and de Vries both have a history at McLaren, where our compatriot was also a regular driver in 2017 and 2018.
“Both drivers have the talent, work ethic and intelligence to race in F1,” said Wolff. Stoffel found himself in a difficult situation at McLaren. They both deserve to be in Formula 1 and I hope they can find their way back.”
“I’m really happy that they are our drivers in Formula E, I couldn’t wish for anyone else. But I wouldn’t put anything in their way if they had the opportunity to go to Formula 1.”
Vandoorne is aware that a seat may become available at Williams, but he also indicates that he is not really working on it.
“I’ve been there at McLaren, not in the best conditions I’ll say,” Vandoorne told Motorsport. “For me it’s not a must, it’s not an obsession to be there. It’s starting to get better at Williams but it’s not in the back of my mind.”
De Vries is also not reluctant to a seat at Williams, but he emphasizes that his focus is now on Formula E.
“I am very happy at Mercedes and in Formula E, that is also where I want to succeed. I don’t know what will happen in the long or medium term.”
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