F1: Fred Vesti to Replace George Russell in FP1 at Bahrain GP
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Synopsis
Mercedes has confirmed that Fred Vesti will take over George Russell's seat in FP1 for the Bahrain Grand Prix this weekend. This will be Vesti's third rookie session of the season, following previous outings in Mexico and Abu Dhabi.
Key Takeaways
- Fred Vesti will drive the W16 in FP1 at Bahrain GP.
- He replaces George Russell for the session.
- This is Vesti's third rookie session in 2025.
- He aims to optimize his driving experience in F1.
- Mercedes currently ranks second in the team standings.
New Delhi, April 8 (NationPress) Mercedes has officially announced that their test and reserve driver Fred Vesti will take control of the W16 during the FP1 session at the upcoming Bahrain Grand Prix.
The Danish driver will step in for George Russell for this session in Sakhir, adhering to F1 regulations that require each driver on the grid to vacate their seat for a rookie during two FP1 sessions in a season.
This marks Fred’s third rookie session, having previously participated in FP1 for the team in Mexico and Abu Dhabi earlier this year.
Rookies are defined as drivers who have participated in two or fewer Grands Prix. Notably, Kimi Antonelli has already fulfilled his two sessions for 2025, which took place in Australia and China.
The upcoming weekend presents Fred with an excellent opportunity to apply his simulator expertise on the actual track, having dedicated the first part of the year working diligently with the team in Brackley.
In addition to this role, he is embarking on his first season of endurance racing in the United States, competing in IMSA with Cadillac.
“I am eagerly anticipating my first experience with the W16 in FP1 at Bahrain. It’s thrilling to put all my simulator preparations into real practice on the track,” Fred expressed in a statement.
“At the beginning of the year, I aimed to maximize every opportunity I get behind the wheel of an F1 car in 2025, and I hope to achieve that in Bahrain.
“I will do everything possible to assist the team, George, and Kimi in getting ready for the remainder of the weekend. I am thankful to Mercedes for granting me this chance once again.”
Mercedes has made a strong start to the season, with Russell and Antonelli ranked fourth and fifth respectively in the standings after three races. In the teams' standings, Mercedes holds second place with 75 points, trailing only behind McLaren’s 111 points.
