Mercedes Formula One reserve driver Nyck de Vries has sent the paddock a clear message after becoming Formula E’s first official FIA-recognised world champion after a chaotic season finale in Berlin, in which 18 drivers could’ve won coming into the double-header race weekend.
Mercedes claimed both the driver and team Formula E titles, as the 26-year-old beat 14 different drivers, after four fell out of contention during the first race of the weekend.
The former Formula Two champion has recently had his name linked to a drive at Williams next season, however, the result could prove to be a great advert in making a case to any potential Formula One teams.
The win was even more poignant after a report emerged over the weekend that Mercedes could be pulling out of the all-electric series when the new generation of cars is introduced, potentially leaving De Vries without a drive next season.
However, despite being “a target” as a viable option for the title, the 26-year-old was elated with his performance.
“I’m lost for words,” he admitted. “I mean, it’s been such a tough season with highs and lows, and in the end, it came down to the last race, and I am just so pleased that it was enough for me to win the title.
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De Vries finished eighth in the weekend’s second race, but after a series of unfortunate scenarios for other title rivals, snatched the title, with his team-mate Stoffel Vandoorne finishing third, helping the team to conquer F E in just their second year in the series.
“What an end to this season,” said Toto Wolff, Mercedes’ head of motorsport and renowned F1 boss. “The highs, lows, ups, and downs have been a given this season, and the final race of the season wasn’t an exception.
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