Lando Norris food poisoning changes Nyck De Vries plans

Lando Norris may be replaced by AlphaTauri’s new 2023 driver Nyck de Vries at the Brazilian Grand Prix. Norris missed Thursday’s media day at Interlagos after falling ill ahead of the weekend.

McLaren have confirmed Norris is still expected back for qualifying tomorrow but it is understood precautions are being made for his replacement. McLaren posted on Twitter: “Lando is feeling unwell with suspected food poisoning, so he will rest in the hotel today. We expect him back at track tomorrow.

“Get well soon, Lando!” De Vries was spotted in an apparent seat fitting at McLaren on Thursday.

He was spotted inside the McLaren, turning the wheel side to side and talking to mechanics. After stepping out of the cockpit, De Vries was seen in conversation with team boss Andreas Seidl.

READ MORE: Max Verstappen's classy gesture to Nyck de Vries before Italian GP

The Dutchman was also filmed walking around the garage in full McLaren team attire, proving the 27-year-old is the chosen replacement should Norris be unavailable. De Vries is eligible to step in for Norris through his role as a Mercedes reserve driver.

If De Vries gets behind the wheel on Friday it will become the rookie’s fifth team of the season. He has taken part in free practice sessions for Mercedes and Aston Martin as well as testing an Alpine.

De Vries impressed the paddock in September after stepping in for the ill Alex Albon at Williams for the Italian Grand Prix. The former F2 and Formula E champion scored two points on his race debut as team-mate Nicholas Latifi struggled.

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His performances earned him a seat at AlphaTauri for 2023 in his first full-time drive in the sport. Max Verstappen admitted he played a key role in De Vries securing the drive after prompting his compatriot to call Red Bull chief Helmut Marko.

He commented: “We had a dinner the day after Monza, and I told him, just give [Marko] a call, you never know what happens. It was also the right time to call him. Helmut is probably still excited on a Monday from the race on a Sunday. It worked out well, and I'm very happy for him.

“Helmut is a guy when he likes something, he's daring enough to then put him in the car, whereas maybe other teams are a bit more careful. That's great news. We are good friends as well.”