Mercedes have announced that Frederik Vesti will replace George Russell in FP1 at the 2025 Mexico City Grand Prix.
F1 rules requires each race driver to give up their seats in two FP1 sessions for a rookie driver who has raced in two Grands Prix or fewer, with Vesti having previously drove Russell’s car in FP1 in Bahrain this season.
“I am extremely happy to get back behind the wheel of W16 for FP1 in Mexico this weekend,” explained Vesti who has been part of Mercedes’ simulation crew this season and will step back into the cockpit on Friday 24 October.
“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.”
Away from F1, Vesti spent this season racing in IMSA Sportscar Championship which he believes will help with his transition back into F1 machinery.
“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!
“I want to thank the team for giving me this opportunity and allowing me to build on the progress we have made so far.”
Andrea Kimi Antonelli hadn’t competed in a F1 race prior to this season so he counted as a rookie when he participated in FP1 in Australia and China, meaning that he doesn’t need to give up his seat in FP1 sessions until next season. .