Nyck de Vries has revealed the moment he was told that he would be making his debut in Formula 1 as Williams scrambled for a last-minute replacement for Alex Albon.
The British-Thai racer was due to be competing as normal at this weekend's Italian Grand Prix. He completed both practice sessions on Friday, but never got into his car the following day as he was struck by appendicitis and taken to hospital for surgery.
It left the team in need of a last-minute replacement, and so de Vries was drafted in. The Dutchman is reserve driver for Mercedes and was in the paddock having taken part in FP1 for Aston Martin. He has also practiced for Williams this year, so at least has some experience behind the wheel of the FW44.