De Vries to test for Mercedes with Vandoorne in Abu Dhabi Young Driver test

2019 Formula 2 Champion Nyck de Vries will test alongside 2015 GP2 Champion, and former Formula 1 driver, Stoffel Vandoorne for Mercedes at the Abu Dhabi Young Driver Test next week.

De Vries and Vandoorne are teammates for Mercedes’ Formula E team and will be let loose in the W11 around the Yas Marina Circuit on December 15. The Dutch driver – who was previously a member of the McLaren junior programme – will be making his F1 debut.

The 25-year-old took 12 podiums, including two wins, with ART Grand Prix in his title-winning 2019 campaign, before joining the Mercedes’ FE team.

He reacted to the news on his social media accounts, saying: "This will become my Formula 1 debut, I can't thank Mercedes enough for the faith and opportunity. Dreams come true."

Vandoorne won the 2015 GP2 title with ART, taking 4 wins and 10 podiums. The Belgian then made the step up to F1 with McLaren, spending two seasons with the team, before his switch to FE with Mercedes.