Helmut Marko's search for a possible replacement for Pierre Gasly at AlphaTauri is not over, as Marko held a conversation with Nyck de Vries on Friday.

Sources report to Motorsport-Total.com, that Nyck de Vries visited the Red Bull advisor's office in the Austrian city of Graz on Friday afternoon. There is no further information about the content of the conversation (yet). The 27-year-old Dutchman has clearly left a good impression on several people in the paddock following his strong Formula 1 debut at Monza, so Marko among them.

Strong debut

The FE champion unexpectedly had to fill in for Alexander Albon at the Italian Grand Prix last weekend, who was struggling with acute appendicitis and required surgery. De Vries made it to Q2 in qualifying and was allowed to start from P8. During the race, he managed to hold on to that spot. Eventually, he crossed the finish line in ninth place, putting him directly in the points. Moreover, he also made a lot of people doubt the future of the disappointing Nicholas Latifi at the team given his fine performance on debut.

Exit for Herta

Red Bull waged a weeks-long battle to secure a super licence for Colton Herta. On Friday, Marko confirmed that Red Bull had given up that battle. Herta's arrival was reportedly triggered by the possible departure of Pierre Gasly, who may become the successor to Fernando Alonso's departure to Aston Martin. De Vries' arrival would be a very strong entry for the team and a nice win for Marko. De Vries was a Mercedes junior for many years, but now that the Formula E season is over, he no longer has any contractual obligations towards the marque. The 27-year-old Fries is also in the interest of Alpine, should Pierre Gasly be unable to make the switch. He will complete a test in the French marque's 2021 car this month. Williams is also interested in De Vries as Latifi's replacement.