Frederik Vesti will make his Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend debut for Mercedes at the Mexico City Grand Prix in October. Current Formula 2 racer Vesti will get behind the wheel of the Mercedes W14 as the team fulfil the first of the mandatory young drivers in FP1 rule introduced in 2022. He had previously driven last season's Mercedes in the 2022 young driver test in Abu Dhabi - his first experience in a Grand Prix car. The new rule was introduced ahead of the 2022 season with each driver required to hand their car over to a young or rookie driver for one free practice session. These young drivers must not have competed in more than two Grands Prix, which rules out official Mercedes reserve driver Mick Schumacher, who has driven in 43 races. The same goes for Nyck de Vries, who fulfilled the position for Mercedes in 2022, who now has 11 races to his name before losing his AlphaTauri seat after the British Grand Prix. Vesti is currently second in the F2 standings in his second season, with wins in Saudi Arabia, Monaco, Spain and Britain to his name.
Vesti in for FP1
"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 1 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 throughout 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." Mercedes boss Toto Wolff added that: "Fred has executed an impressive Formula 2 campaign so far this season, and 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."
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