Mercedes confirm F1 driver change for Mexico FP1

Mercedes junior driver Frederik Vesti will return to the cockpit this weekend in Mexico, partaking in FP1 with the Brackley-based squad.

Vesti will stand in for George Russell for the opening practice session at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez.

Every team is required to give two FP1 sessions per car to a rookie driver. However, as Kimi Antonelli fulfilled the criteria at the start of the season, only Russell needs to step aside.

Vesti last drove the car in Bahrain earlier in the campaign, with the upcoming session being his fourth FP1 outing in three years.

“I am extremely happy to get back behind the wheel of W16 for FP1 in Mexico this weekend,” said Vesti.

“I have done a lot of work in the simulator these past few months and it is a huge privilege to put this into action on track.

“This new opportunity will give me more experience as a driver but will also enable me to bring new input to the simulator team back in Brackley.”

Vesti's FP1 outing will come following back-to-back wins in the IMSA sportscar category at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Petit Le Mans event at Road Atlanta.

“My endurance racing this year has helped me stay sharp and prepare to jump back into the F1 car, and I have been working on my neck for Mexico as we know Formula 1 does not spare the body,” Vesti added.

“I want to thank the team for giving me this opportunity and allowing me to build on the progress we have made so far.”