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FIA Formula 2 star Fredrik Vesti will replace George Russell in first practice for the Mexico City Grand Prix – but who is he? And why is he driving the W14?
Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff confirmed that Danish driver Fred Vesti will be participating in the first practice session of the Mexico City Grand Prix. This is in compliance with the regulations that require teams to field a rookie driver during at least two races in the season. Given the sprint weekend in Brazil and the new track in Las Vegas, many teams, including Mercedes, have chosen Mexico and Abu Dhabi to give their young drivers a chance. Vesti has been part of the Mercedes junior team since 2021 and had his first taste of F1 action during the post-season test in Abu Dhabi last year. He has been successful in F1’s feeder categories, winning the Formula Regional European Championship in 2019 and finishing fourth overall in back-to-back F3 campaigns before making the move to F2. Although his chances of winning the F2 title have diminished in recent races due to two DNFs, he has still had an impressive season. Wolff expressed confidence in Vesti, stating that he believes he will do a good job for the team during the rookie session in Mexico.
Source: Crash
