Mercedes boss Toto Wolff admits Nyck de Vries may need to leave the team to achieve his dream of racing in Formula 1.
The Dutch driver has been a part of the driver program at the German manufacturer since 2019, when he joined the Formula E team for Season 6 alongside Stoffel Vandoorne.
His association with Mercedes though has also led to links in F1, with rumours linking him to Alfa Romeo for this season. However, his participation has instead been limited to two Practice 1 outings first for Williams and then Mercedes at the French Grand Prix.
And it was after that session at Paul Ricard that Wolff conceded he is somewhat powerless in helping De Vries make a full-time step into F1.
“If we are not able to provide him with an interesting Formula 1 project, in a way we need to let him go,” the Austrian told Sky Sports.
“He’s looking at various options, sportscars and maybe Formula E but you must never give up on the opportunity that one day a Formula 1 door can open.
“But I can’t really help him,” added Wolff. “We can’t really tell any team to look at him and consider him because that would be felt like an interference and that goes the contrary way.”
De Vries’ future in Formula E is also uncertain with Mercedes having pulled out after Season 8 with McLaren taking over their team from Season 9.
But the 27-year-old is open-minded on his next career move.
“Obviously everyone shares that dream and goal,” he told Total-Motorsport.com. “I would be lying if I said I didn’t want to go to F1.
“But I am also happy with what I’m doing. Ultimately it’s out of my control so time will tell what will come.
“I can only do a good job on the track, I’m flattered my name is around and we’ll see.”