Frederik Vesti Joins Mercedes for FP1 at Bahrain GP

Get ready to witness an exciting debut as the talented young racer, Frederik Vesti, will be driving George Russell’s Mercedes W16 in Formula 1’s Bahrain Grand Prix Free Practice 1.

Background of Frederik Vesti

A Formula Regional European champion in 2019 and a runner-up in the Formula 2 series in 2023, Vesti has been under Mercedes‘ wing since 2021. Currently serving as their reserve driver alongside Valtteri Bottas, he also competes in the IMSA SportsCar Championship with Cadillac.

F1 regulations mandate that teams must provide rookies, drivers who have competed in no more than two grands prix, an opportunity to drive each car twice during the 2025 season’s grand prix weekends.

Previous Experiences with Mercedes

Vesti has previously driven Mercedes’ W14 car in FP1 at the Mexico City and Abu Dhabi grands prix in 2023, while last year, the required sessions were given to incoming racer Andrea Kimi Antonelli.

At least two other rookies will participate in FP1 at Sakhir, with Ferrari protege Dino Beganovic driving Charles Leclerc’s SF-25 machinery, and Oliver Bearman ceding his Haas car to Ryo Hirakawa following the latter’s recent switch from Alpine.

I am really looking forward to getting my first taste of the W16 in FP1 in Bahrain,” said the 23-year-old Dane. “Being able to put all of my simulator work into practice on the track is a really exciting prospect for me.

Vesti aims to make the most of this opportunity, stating, “At the start of the year, I set myself the goal of maximising every chance I get behind the wheel of an F1 car in 2025, and that is what I hope to achieve in Bahrain. I will be doing everything I can to help the team, George, and Kimi get set for the rest of the weekend.

Vesti expressed his gratitude towards Mercedes for providing him with this opportunity once again.