Nick de Vries: As a child I skated

In 2023, Formula E world champion Nick de Vries will play his first full season in Formula 1 at AlphaTauri. The Italian team’s press office interviewed their recruit to help fans get to know Nick better.

Q: How did you get into motorsport?
Nick deVriesA: Thanks to the family. My dad owned car dealerships and raced himself. Cars have always been a part of my family. My great-grandfather also opened dealerships, which my father later managed. However, he sold the company to devote all his time and effort to my career. We can say that the dream of getting into motorsport was not only mine, but also his.

Q: You already know partner Yuki Tsunoda. When did you first meet?
Nick deVries: If I’m not mistaken, we first met in 2020. Spielberg organized a marketing event with Red Bull Racing and AlphaTauri, and I raced against ELMS that weekend. After we went to Monaco together – just before the Grand Prix. Then Yuki and I met – we flew together on a plane, and then spent time in Monaco. Everyone knows what an interesting person he is, which is why we’ve kept in touch ever since.

Q: In your youth you lived a lot in Italy. What is it connected to?
Nick deVries: Karting is highly developed in Italy, as many kart manufacturers are based in this country. As a result, when I started karting internationally, I spent a lot of time in Italy racing. All this helped me to learn Italian. Before I moved I took a language course where we were only allowed to speak Italian, so I am quite fluent in the language. The switch to AlphaTauri has already helped me to improve my knowledge.

Q: What is the highlight of your career?
Nick deVries: I have had quite a long career, full of ups and downs. If we talk about the brightest episode, then I choose victory in Formula 2 – I have been striving for this result for a long time. I dreamed of Formula 1 and success in Formula 2 was the last step for the goal, so the title in Formula 2 was very important to me

Q: What is your favorite circuit on the 2023 Formula 1 calendar?
Nick deVries: Zandvoort of course. Every racer strives to perform in their home race, and the Dutch Grand Prix is ​​like a festival or celebration. I think pilots for home fans will give me goosebumps. The atmosphere on the circuit is great and as a Dutch Formula 1 driver I really want to experience that.

Question: You have already become world champion in Formula E. Do you feel this extra pressure in Formula 1?
Nick deVries: I don’t like to think much about my past. Of course, winning the Formula E title was part of my path to Formula 1, but I prefer to look ahead. I am grateful for what I have been able to achieve, but new challenges await me and I am happy to be driving in Formula 1.

Question: You have known Max Verstappen since childhood. What are your relationships?
Nick deVries: Max and I have known each other for a long time, because we go karting at the same time, although we didn’t actually fight against each other. Last year we entered the Monza circuit for the first time, we were close to the grid – it was great.

We have a great relationship, our fathers were active in our careers and we have a lot of respect for each other. Even though I’m older, I think of Max as my big brother in the Formula 1 paddock. He has achieved a lot and he has a lot more experience.

Q: What are your hobbies?
Nick deVriesA: I admit that most of my life has been racing. However, during self-isolation, I started learning to play the piano. I had no musical education at all, but I really like the instrument, so I decided to master it.

Now that all restrictions have been lifted, I prefer to spend my free time outdoors, doing sports and relaxing with my family.

Q: Who is your idol in sports?
Nick deVries: I admire the Dutch skaters. It is the most successful discipline at the Winter Olympics for the Netherlands and all athletes train about ten kilometers from my home.

I come from the northern part of the country where skating is a prominent part of the local culture. In addition, I was involved in ice skating as a child. I respect the athletes – their work ethic and approach to business is very impressive.

Q: Which football team do you support?
Nick deVries: I support the local club Heerenveen. There is even a reference to the team in the design of my helmet. Blue and white, as well as hearts, are part of the provincial flag. The team’s kit is made in the same design, so I incorporated these elements into the design of my helmet.

Question: Which clothing style do you prefer?
Nick deVries: I like that everyone has their own style, by which one can judge the character of a person. I prefer elegant casual style.

Q: Who was the first person you told you would be playing for AlphaTauri in 2023?
Nick deVries: There was no specific moment when everything was decided – the process turned out to be quite long. If you think about it, Pierre Gasly was the first person I spoke to about the contract. He contacted me on FaceTime while I was at the gym to congratulate me. It was fun.

Of course the family was aware of the whole process and when the situation became more or less certain I informed my father.