Formula 2 championship protagonist Frederik Vesti will make his Formula 1 debut later this season with the Prema driver set to take over driving duties during Free Practice 1 at the Mexico City Grand Prix.
The Mercedes junior will be getting behind the wheel of the W14 for the hour-long session at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, as part of the two mandatory rookie sessions each F1 team must complete.
“I’m incredibly proud to be doing the FP1 session in Mexico City with the Team – it’s a dream come true,” said Vesti. “To think in less than two months that I’ll be doing my first official Formula One session with Mercedes, who have won eight consecutive Constructors’ Championships, is amazing. This has been my dream since I was very young and something I’ve been fighting for through my whole junior career.
“It’s taken a lot of hard work, and this is a very important step for me on my journey. To be able to develop myself in an F1 car alongside some of the best drivers in the world is something I’m looking forward to. I want to thank Mercedes for this incredible opportunity, as well as my sponsors and manager for always believing in me. I can’t wait to be driving W14 for the first time.”
Vesti currently sits second in the Drivers’ Championship with four wins and a further three podiums to his name.
Having been a part of the Mercedes Junior Team since January 2021, the Dane got his first taste of Formula 1 machinery last year during the Abu Dhabi Young Drivers’ Test. There, Vesti completed 124 laps around the Yas Marina Circuit in Mercedes’ W13.
Mercedes Team Principal and CEO, Toto Wolff added: “Fred has executed an impressive Formula 2 campaign so far this season. Driving in an FP1 session is the next step in his development and we’re looking forward to giving him that opportunity. He is a talented young driver, not only quick but thoughtful, and he understands exactly what the Team is looking for from him in the car. I am sure he will perform well and provide a solid starting point for our work over the weekend.”
