Apparently Max Verstappen (Red Bull) played a role in the 2023 F1 driver deal with Nick de Vries and AlphaTauri.
Before qualifying for the Japanese F1 GP, AlphaTauri announced that it would nominate De Vries, who replaced Alex Albon at the Italian GP in early September, to replace Pierre Guthrie, who will move to Alpine.
Team leader Franz Tost admitted his debut performance in Monza was “an important factor”.
After qualifying from pole position at Suzuka, Verstappen revealed that he had dinner with De Vries after the Monza weekend and suggested he call Red Bull Racing sports advisor Helmut Marko. .
“We are good friends and after Monza we had dinner together and I said to him: ‘By the way, call him[Marco]’.
“I think I called at the right time and Helmut was still excited after Monday’s race so it worked.”
Helmut Marko seems to have made a quick decision and Verstappen explained: “I don’t think there have been any discussions after Monza.”
“If Helmut likes it, he is the kind of person who will dare to put him in the car. Other teams could be a little more cautious.”
Verstappen was delighted to see his Dutch senior colleague’s dream come true.
“That’s great news for him. He chased him for a long time and finally got the chance.”
“I’m really happy when I think of him.”
