Nyck de Vries may be a Formula 1 rookie by name – but he certainly doesn't see himself as one.
The Dutchman had his surprise competitive F1 debut last year, called in by Williams at short notice to replace the unwell Alex Albon at the Italian Grand Prix. His performance that weekend – he scored points on debut and matched the team's best result of the year – helped him to earn a permanent place on the grid.
Despite that one-off appearance, this season is still regarded as De Vries' rookie year in F1. That label isn't really an accurate description of the 28-year-old, though, given he is a Formula 2 and Formula E champion with many years of high-level single-seater experience and has had plenty of practice behind the wheel of F1 cars.
Asked about it by Mirror Sport, De Vries feels both himself and McLaren rookie Oscar Piastri in particular are much more experienced than the average F1 rookie would be. "Oscar, for example, has probably done more Formula 1 mileage because they've had quite an intensive test programme at Alpine," he said.
"So, in that regard, maybe in pure Formula 1 experience I don't think there's much experience between myself and other rookies. I think Logan [Sargeant] did a test programme with Alpine as well, in cooperation with Williams.
"But honestly, it is all a bit irrelevant for me. It's going to be my first season in Formula 1 and that is a fact. I'm just motivated and keen to get going and perform."
Much of De Vries' experience behind the wheel of F1 cars cam courtesy of his previous role with Mercedes. He was a reserve driver for the Silver Arrows, but was also called in by some of their engine customers to take part in FP1 sessions for them also.
On top of his surprise competitive appearance for Williams last year, he also took part in practice for Mercedes and Aston Martin. Regarding that time spent as a Mercedes reserve, De Vries said: "Every experience is valuable and, I know it might sound like a cliché, but you do learn every day. Obviously, Mercedes has been a very successful team who have been dominating our sport in the past decade.
"Now, Red Bull have now won two consecutive championships, but Mercedes have been very successful in a long stretch and to be able to witness their organisation and how they operate and see how the drivers work with the team, and vice versa, is very interesting. I think I've learned a great deal in spending time there."
