Mercedes F1 leader "I'm not worried about the information leaking from De Vries to Red Bull"[F1-Gate.com]

Mercedes F1 Technical Director Mike Elliott says he has no doubts Nick de Vries will continue his role as a reserve driver after joining AlphaTauri F1 from 2023.

Nick de Vries was a reserve driver all season, after racing weekends in the Mercedes F1 team garage and participating in the team’s FP1 sessions with Lewis Hamilton’s car during the French Grand Prix weekend.

AlphaTauri was forced to step back from team operations after it was revealed over the Singapore Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend that Nick de Vries is likely to sign for the 2013 season.

The Mercedes F1 team cut off the flow of technical information to Nick de Vries, who was no longer involved in all of the weekend’s meetings, and the deal continued in Japan.

However, the Mercedes F1 team has yet to lead its FP1 rookie session, with Nick de Vries set to drive George Russell’s car on Friday at the F1 Mexican Grand Prix.

Mike Elliott says the Mercedes F1 team isn’t worried Nick de Vries gets a glimpse of the team’s latest developments before heading to the rival field.

“We are really happy with the opportunity he had. It might be a shame where he’s going, but that’s the way it is.”

“I think he deserves a chance. I think he has proven to be a very good driver. I understand.”

“We trust he’s in the car and we have no problem testing with him. He’ll make sure we don’t see things we don’t want to show. You can trust him and he’ll do a good job.”

Mike Elliott said Nick de Vries has run relatively little in the simulations as he is focused on his racing schedule.

“But again, F1 changes very quickly. His learning is very fast, so what he did a year ago probably won’t be particularly useful to him. I think what we can draw from this is the way we work, the processes, systems. “

“As I said before, we love him.”

Nick de Vries pointed out that unlike George Russell, he is not a polite Mercedes driver and is always free to go elsewhere.

“I think he has been recognized as a Mercedes driver in recent years. I raced for Mercedes in Formula E and was a reserve driver in F1,” said 27-year-old Nick de Vries.

“But aside from those contracts, there were no other partnerships. Obviously, we’ve developed a very friendly relationship over the past year. They’ve been very supportive and helpful.”

“But at the same time, I’m here to defend my interests. Sure, I hope they’re disappointed that they’ve lost something. I don’t know! Ask them this question. I may need to.

“But they are happy for me and I think they are happy to see me have the chance to be on the grid next year in Formula 1.”