Frederik Vesti will drive for Mercedes in FP1 at the 2023 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix then the post-season test.
Vesti previously drove for Mercedes in FP1 at the Mexico City Grand Prix in George Russell’s car but will now jump into Lewis Hamilton’s cockpit for the First Practice session in Abu Dhabi alongside his F2 commitments this weekend.
The Dane will then drive for the team in the post-season test which will also take place in Abu Dhabi on 28 November.
Speaking about his latest chance to drive in a F1 session, Vesti commented: “Driving in FP1 in Abu Dhabi is another step in my career. Getting my first experience of an official session on an F1 weekend in Mexico was a big moment. I learnt so much, and it was great being able to support the team and work with Lewis and George.
“I’m looking forward to building on that experience at Yas Marina. It’s a track I know well and that will no doubt make it easier to get up to speed in the one hour of practice. I’m extremely excited to get back behind-the-wheel of the W14 for FP1 and then the post-season test. Once again, I want to say a big thank you to the team for giving me this opportunity.”
Mercedes’ Trackside Engineering Director, Andrew Shovlin added that Vesti had “acquitted himself well” in Mexico, but iterated that this weekend will be “busy” for Vesti as he tries to snatch the F2 title from Theo Pourchaire‘s grasp at the final round.
Shovlin though is confident that the 21 year-old can handle the extra responsibilities as he concluded: “He has shown he has the maturity and confidence to handle this though, and I am sure he will get the most out of it across the weekend.”
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