Formula 1: Lewis Hamilton will miss the start of the French Grand Prix

It is common for Formula 1 teams to put their reserve drivers to the test in some Grand Prix practice during the season. However, few imagined that a seven-time champion like Lewis Hamilton he was about to give up his car when his teammate is George Russell, a rookie in the German squad. But in France it will be like this.

Mercedes announced Wednesday, two days before the start of the Grand Prix, that reserve driver Nyck de Vries will be behind the wheel of the W13 during the first free practice session at the Paul Ricard circuit to replace Hamilton. How come? Simply because you have chosen.

In a tweet, Mercedes added it “Lewis has chosen this weekend to meet the first of two young driver sessions required by all teams this season.while George selected one over the course of the year, “without revealing which one.

“Nyck will replace Lewis in the first free practice this weekend, as part of the sessions assigned this year to young drivers. So we can’t wait to see how he fares, “said team principal Toto Wolff.

this will be himThe second appearance of the 27-year-old Dutchman in a first training session this year in which he took the wheel of the Williams FW44 in place of Alex Albon at the Spanish Grand Prix earlier this season. Additionally, de Vries tested Mercedes cars during post-season testing at last year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

More changes in Mercedes, which continues to rise

After the eight-time champion team’s four consecutive third places in 2022 – Hamilton’s last three podiums – Wolff has made it clear that the team will lead further developments at its W13 in France for date 12, as their goal is to bridge the gap between them and the teams ahead.

“Our understanding of the W13 grows with each lap and it is encouraging to see it reflected in our development and results. Although we were faster in Austria, we still weren’t quick enough to take the lead. We have to keep chasing those last tenths and bring news to cars, including this weekend in France, “he explained.

Furthermore, Wolff explained that the circuit “Paul Ricard is a very different track and challenge”. “It has smooth asphalt and a wide range of curve types, along with long straights. The goal will be to make more progress in the gap than the former and hopefully return to the podium“, he described.

Yes, OK in Austria Mercedes overtook Red Bull, due to Hamilton’s third place and Russell’s fourth against Max Verstappen’s second place and Checo Pérez leaving, he is still 66 points behind Ferrari, which is second in the constructors’ championship, 56 units from the Austrian team