Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff says Mercedes would be forced to release Nyck de Vries from its programme in order to secure him an attractive racing future.
De Vries has been associated with Mercedes for a handful of years, and currently races for the team full-time in Formula E, winning last season’s title.
The 27-year-old took part in FP1 in France on Friday, with seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton sitting the session out.
A handful of F1 race seats are currently open for next year, including at Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin and Williams.
But if the Dutchman is unable to be provided with an alternative F1 role to his current position as Mercedes’ test and reserve driver, Wolff says the team would have to sever ties with him in order to maximise his career.
“I think if we are not able to provide him with an interesting F1 project, in a way, we need to let him go,” Wolff told Sky F1.
“We are looking at the various options, sportscars or maybe Formula E. You must never give up on the opportunity that an F1 door can open. Today was very, very good.”
Wolff added that Mercedes “can’t really help him. We can’t really tell any team to look at him and consider him as that would feel like an interference and that goes the contrary way.”
De Vries’ FP1 outing was completed under new regulations regarding more on-track time for rookie drivers in 2022.
He drove Williams’ FW44 car earlier this year in Spain, and is set for further FP1 outings later this season.
