Russell Backs Vesti for Cadillac F1 Seat After Mexico FP1

George Russell has publicly backed Mercedes reserve Frederik Vesti for Cadillac’s vacant 2027 seat, arguing the Dane deserves a full-time F1 chance after an impressive FP1 showing in Mexico City.

Why it matters:

Cadillac is still choosing Sergio Perez’s partner for its first F1 season, and Russell’s endorsement gives Vesti timely credibility in a crowded driver market. Vesti finished third in FP1 at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, just 0.074s behind Kimi Antonelli and 0.733s off Charles Leclerc.

The details:

• Vesti, 24, is a former F2 runner-up and Mercedes reserve; he also has links to Cadillac’s Hypercar programme.
• Russell said the team wanted to give Vesti a proper chance: “He deserves his chance.”
• Valtteri Bottas remains the expected favourite for the seat.
• Colton Herta was last in Mexico FP1, 3.237s off Leclerc and 0.970s slower than Perez; superlicence points remain an issue.
• Esteban Ocon is available after Haas but is understood to be heading for an Aston Martin reserve role.

What's next:

Cadillac has not confirmed its full 2027 line-up beyond Perez. Vesti’s Mexico run may not make him the favourite, but it gives the team a serious alternative to consider.