Guest Column: Nyck de Vries

As part of a regular column in the aftermath of each round, one of motorsport’s future stars will take you beyond the paddock and delve into their race weekend. One good point, one bad point and everything in between.

FIA Formula 2 Champion Nyck de Vries is the final columnist of the season. The ART Grand Prix racer discusses his Championship win and a frustrating final round. The Dutchman also talks about the emotions he felt during his final appearance and says that he will be coming back to visit in the future.

One Bad point – A frustrating weekend

I think that the good and the bad point go together quite well. The bad point was obviously that we were not competitive and couldn't finish our last race weekend together on a high. We were struggling a lot and didn't have any pace together, I would say.

I don't think it is necessary to go into too much detail, but it is a shame we couldn't finish our successful season in a stronger way, but that is how it can go. It also shows how difficult Formula 2 is and that nothing’s straightforward.

One Good Point – Winning the Championship

On the other hand, the good thing is that we had already wrapped up the Championship and we could kind of - even though it wasn't successful - enjoy our time together, and our last weekend as a team.

Also, besides that, it was very nice for me to have my family and girlfriend there. They haven't been to the races much this season, but it was nice to share my last weekend in Formula 2 with them. This chapter is closed now, which is sad in a way, but life goes on and a new chapter in my career has already started.

You may have missed – The battle for second

I am assuming that none of the fans have missed it, but just as a reminder, I would say that the battle for second, third and fourth position in the Championship, between Nicholas Latifi, Luca Ghiotto, Sérgio Sette Câmara and Jack Aitken, was the most interesting part of the weekend. I would say that if you get the chance to have a look at that, then I think that is the most exciting part to review.

Leaving Formula 2 – Goals achieved

Leaving Formula 2 is honestly sad, I have spent four years in the paddock, one year racing in GP3 and three years in Formula 2. I felt that it was a very nice and small environment, which you could compare to a little circus that travels around the world and meets each other every race weekend.

There is a general respect for each other, but at the same time, Formula 2 is a stepping stone into Formula 1, or other professional racing series and I am very happy and satisfied that we managed to accomplish our goals in Formula 2 this season.

However, that also means that it has to end, but an new exciting chapter has already started. I will mainly miss the people, but it has been a very nice and tough ride, and I am thankful that everyone who is involved has been very supportive along those years.

I think that it is nice that the F2/F3 organisation is contributing so much in developing young racing drivers to become more complete drivers, so that they can eventually make a career out of racing.

My final goodbye – I’ll be visiting!

Oh, I hate to say goodbye. Honestly, I don't like it! I was a little bit emotional in Race 2 on the grid. My engineer and a couple of people on the team were thanking me for this amazing season and told me to enjoy it, and at that point, I really realised that this was going to be the last one.

I almost cried to be honest! I don't like to say goodbye, but if you were really forcing me to say a last message, I would say, thank you - I will never forget what you, as a community, have done for the sport and for me. I will certainly come back and see you guys. Thank you!

Vaarwel,

Nyck de Vries