Mercedes F1 junior to make prestigious debut

Mercedes Formula 1 junior Frederik Vesti will make his Formula E debut with the Mahindra Racing team at the upcoming Berlin rookie test.

The Dane is currently racing in the European Le Mans Series, as well as dovetailing duties as a Mercedes reserve driver, having left Formula 2 after two seasons at the end of 2023.

He narrowly missed out on the F1 title last season to Theo Pourchaire following six wins, but left single-seaters for a sportscar drive, but will now participate in a full day of running during the rookie test, the day after the upcoming E-Prix at the newly-redesigned Tempelhof.

Vesti has spent time at the team's Banbury base for a seat fit and simulator work ahead of his first outing in the championship.

"First of all, I’d like to say a big thank you to Frederic [Bertrand, Mahindra Team Principal] for giving me this opportunity. It’s a great chance to test, and to prove myself as a rookie in a new championship," explained Vesti.

"It’s an amazing opportunity to learn, which is only going to help me grow as a driver. It’s what motivates me, I’m really looking forward to trying the GEN3 Formula E car, which I understand is quite a challenge.

"That’s probably what I like most about Formula E, it is challenging and the fact it’s a competitive World Championship that attracts some of the best drivers – and teams – is a great platform for me.

"I’ve finished up my preparations together with the team, so now I’m counting down the days until Berlin."