Mercedes Confirms Frederik Vesti for Mexico FP1

Mercedes junior driver Frederik Vesti is set to return to the cockpit this weekend, participating in Free Practice 1 (FP1) for the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico. He will replace George Russell for the opening session.

Why it matters:

This FP1 outing is part of the mandatory rookie driver sessions every F1 team must provide. While Kimi Antonelli has already fulfilled one of these slots earlier in the season, Vesti's participation ensures Mercedes meets the two-session-per-car requirement. For Vesti, it's a critical opportunity to gain further F1 experience, contribute to the team's data collection, and showcase his capabilities on a Grand Prix weekend.

The Details:

• Driver Substitution: Frederik Vesti will take over George Russell's car for the FP1 session in Mexico.
• Rookie Requirement: F1 regulations mandate that each team dedicates two FP1 sessions per car to a rookie driver. Since Kimi Antonelli previously drove, only Russell's car needed to be assigned for this round.
• Fourth FP1 Outing: This will mark Vesti's fourth FP1 appearance in the last three years, further building on his prior experience in Bahrain earlier this season.
• Vesti's Statement: Vesti expressed his excitement, stating, "I am extremely happy to get back behind the wheel of W16 for FP1 in Mexico this weekend." He emphasized the simulator work he's done and the privilege of applying it on track.
• Simulator Contribution: Beyond track experience, Vesti aims to "bring new input to the simulator team back in Brackley," highlighting the collaborative nature of his role.
• Recent Success: Vesti comes into this F1 session fresh off back-to-back wins in the IMSA sportscar category at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Petit Le Mans event at Road Atlanta, demonstrating his current form and race readiness.
• Physical Preparation: Acknowledging the demands of F1, especially at altitude in Mexico, Vesti mentioned, "I have been working on my neck for Mexico as we know Formula 1 does not spare the body."

What's next:

Vesti's FP1 performance will be closely watched by the Mercedes team as they continue to evaluate their junior drivers. For Vesti, a strong and clean session will further solidify his standing within the Mercedes driver development program and potentially open doors for future opportunities in Formula 1.