Russell: Vesti a shock Cadillac contender for 2027 F1 seat

George Russell has called Mercedes reserve Frederik Vesti a surprise contender for Cadillac’s 2027 F1 seat, saying the Dane deserves a chance after handling the team’s less glamorous FP1 work.

Why it matters:

Cadillac is still shaping its future line-up around Sergio Perez, who has signed through 2029, and the second seat remains open. Vesti strengthened his case in Mexico, replacing Russell in FP1 and finishing third — 0.074s behind Kimi Antonelli and 0.733s off Charles Leclerc — after a late soft-tyre lap.

The details:

• Russell said Vesti is “really fighting hard” for the Cadillac opportunity and “deserves his chance,” noting most of his FP1 runs have been workload-focused.
• Vesti, 24, combines Mercedes reserve duties with Cadillac Hypercar running and has completed seven FP1 sessions.
• Cadillac has not confirmed Valtteri Bottas alongside Perez for next year, leaving the market open.
• Colton Herta remains an option, but superlicence questions and a poor F2 season complicate his case; he was last in Mexico FP1, 3.237s off the pace. Esteban Ocon is available but is understood to be set for an Aston Martin reserve role.

What’s next:

Herta could secure his superlicence with an FP1 run in Brazil, while Cadillac weighs experience against upside. Vesti’s endorsement and clean Mexico display have at least put him firmly in the conversation.