P1racenews AI automatic summary:
FIA Formula 2 star Fredrik Vesti will replace George Russell today in first practice for the F1 Mexico City Grand Prix – but who is he? And why is he driving the W14?
According to regulations, teams must have a rookie driver participate in at least two races during the season. Given the sprint weekend in Brazil and the new track in Las Vegas, many teams will likely choose Mexico and Abu Dhabi to field their young drivers. Mercedes is one of these teams and will have a member of their junior program driving on Friday. This 21-year-old Danish driver has been a part of the Mercedes junior team since 2021 and had his first taste of F1 action at the Abu Dhabi test last year. He has had successful seasons in F1’s feeder categories, winning the Formula Regional European Championship in 2019. In F2, he finished fourth overall in back-to-back seasons before being promoted to F1. This year, he has been in contention for the F2 title, though recent DNFs have affected his chances. Mercedes expects him to perform well in Mexico City.
Source: Crash
