De Vries Extends McLaren Simulator Role Through 2026

Nyck de Vries is confirmed to continue his tenure at McLaren into the 2026 season, retaining his role as a permanent simulator driver. After rejoining the Woking-based team in 2025 in a quiet capacity, the former AlphaTauri driver played a pivotal background role in the squad's recent championship success, aiding in the refinement of setups for Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.

Why it matters:

In the modern era of Formula 1, the correlation between simulator data and track performance is absolute. Retaining a driver with De Vries' specific blend of recent grand prix experience and current active racing in Formula E and WEC provides McLaren with a distinct technical advantage. His ability to translate complex virtual data into actionable setup directions has become a valuable asset for the team's development and race weekend operations.

The details:

• Quiet Return: De Vries initially returned to McLaren in 2025 under the official title of Test and Simulator Driver, an appointment that was not publicly announced at the time.
• Championship Contribution: His work at the factory in Woking, particularly during race weekends, was instrumental in optimizing car performance during a season where McLaren secured both world titles.
• Balancing Act: The Dutchman manages a rigorous schedule alongside his F1 duties. He continues to compete full-time in Formula E with Mahindra Racing and is a regular driver for Toyota in the World Endurance Championship.
• Rotating Roster: De Vries is part of a pool of drivers who rotate through simulator duties, ensuring consistent feedback and data collection for the team.

Looking Ahead:

As McLaren aims to defend its championship status and maintain its competitive edge, stability within its technical support structures is paramount. De Vries' continued presence ensures that the team retains high-quality feedback, bridging the gap between the digital simulation environment and the physical track as they head into the 2026 campaign.