Nick de Vries: A Journey Through Motorsport

Nick de Vries has experienced a comprehensive journey in the motorsport arena. From his beginnings in karting to clinching the Formula E championship, competing in F1, and now triumphing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, he’s witnessed the highs and lows of racing. He fully understands the elements needed for success both on and off the track, and he’s focused on concluding the 2025-2026 Formula E season strong.

As the Sanya ePrix approaches, the seasoned driver shared insights with SB Nation about what it truly takes to win in racing. It’s worth noting that this conversation took place prior to de Vries, Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi, and the No. 7 Toyota Hypercar securing victory at Le Mans.

2026 Formula E Season

De Vries has earned the Drivers’ Championship not once but twice, notably in the 2020-2021 season while driving for the Mercedes EQ team, which also secured the Teams’ Championship. That season was particularly remarkable for him, featuring wins in Saudi Arabia and Spain that contributed to his first championship title.

However, the current season has been challenging for de Vries, who is in his third year with Mahindra Racing. His highlight was winning at the Monaco ePrix, marking his first win since 2022. Currently, he’s ranked 10th in the Drivers’ Championship while Mahindra sits in third place in the Teams’ Championship as they gear up for the Sanya ePrix this weekend.

Starting the conversation on the 2026 season, he reflected, “The beginning was tough for me in the garage, even if the team’s performance was strong. That was always nice to see with Edoardo. We gained points and demonstrated our speed as a unit. There were challenges and unfortunate events, but that’s racing, especially in such a competitive league as Formula E. Still, our overall performance has been solid.” He emphasized that while he wishes he had collected more points, there’s a positive momentum following Monaco that he hopes will continue.

Discussing the Monaco victory, de Vries expressed that it was “special” for various reasons. “It was our first win as a team, the first in the GEN3 era, and my first since returning to the championship. Winning in Monaco is significant for every driver, and doing it on my home turf made it even more meaningful. Having my family and friends there to celebrate was incredibly special for all of us.”

Becoming a Racing Car Driver

Whenever I get the chance to interview a driver, I always ask, “What’s the hardest part about being a race car driver?” It’s a question that’s stuck with me over the years. When I asked de Vries, he pinpointed “consistency” as a crucial factor.

“The biggest challenge is consistency,” de Vries explained. “At this level, competition is fierce, and everyone is dedicated to their craft. Maintaining peak performance is what distinguishes the good from the great.”

We delved into how he trains both off-season and in-season, particularly with a schedule including both Formula E and World Endurance Championship events. “I’m honored to do what I love. My off-season focus is on overall improvement—physically, mentally, and closely collaborating with my team,” he mentioned.

De Vries also highlighted the importance of “recharging” away from racing. “I enjoy pursuing small improvements; that’s my drive. I also play golf and take piano lessons at home, which helps me rejuvenate.”

Balancing a busy schedule can be tough, and recovery remains crucial. “Sleep is my best friend,” he noted, emphasizing the need for proper rest. “It may sound simple, but prioritizing sleep is vital for your physical and mental well-being. Managing a busy calendar requires discipline, but it’s essential for sustained performance.”

He spoke about how finding the right work-life balance is personal but manageable, especially since he enjoys what he does. “For me, it’s about finding that balance. I genuinely enjoy the process, so I don’t often need time away to recharge. In-season, it’s essential to stay fit and always strive for improvement.”

We also discussed neck training, a focal point for many drivers given the physical demands of racing. De Vries explained why this training is essential: “While the G-forces aren’t as extreme as in F1, neck strength is crucial. It’s one area that isn’t well supported in the car, so we train it extensively throughout the season.”

Jet lag poses yet another hidden challenge in motorsport, especially given the global schedule. When discussing his approach, he remarked, “There’s no secret. I try to mentally adjust as soon as I board the plane, although physiologically, it takes time. For long races, I’ll use melatonin to help with sleep and try to exercise quickly upon arrival.”

Lastly, we touched upon the mental aspects of racing. De Vries believes the preparation process creates a supportive “positive cycle” once he’s in the car. “Most of our preparation happens long before we even get to the track. We spend time in simulators, analyze past performances, and discuss upcoming challenges.”

When asked about the perception that drivers aren’t athletes, de Vries acknowledged that everyone is entitled to their opinions. “Personally, it doesn’t phase me. I know the physical demands of this sport and the hard work required to reach this level. Most understand that racing drivers are indeed athletes.”

As our conversation concluded, we looked ahead to the upcoming ePrix in Sanya, China, which marks the first of a double-header weekend before heading to Shanghai. De Vries, looking forward, expressed hopes for competitiveness as they navigate the final stretch of the season. “In Formula E, setting firm expectations is tricky given the competitive nature and fluctuations in race conditions. But we’re optimistic about performing well in Sanya, Shanghai, Tokyo, and London.”