George Russell to Sit Out FP1 in Bahrain as Frederik Vesti Steps In for Mercedes
Mercedes have confirmed that George Russell will not be participating in the first free practice session (FP1) at the upcoming Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix. In line with current F1 regulations mandating that each team must give rookie drivers the opportunity to take part in at least two practice sessions over the course of the season, Russell will hand over his seat to Mercedes’ reserve and test driver, Frederik Vesti.
The decision is part of Mercedes’ broader development strategy and adherence to the sport’s rookie driver rule, which encourages young talent to gain experience behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car during official race weekends. This outing in Bahrain will mark Vesti’s third appearance in a Formula 1 session. The 23-year-old Dane previously took part in practice sessions during the 2023 season in Mexico and Abu Dhabi.
Expressing his excitement ahead of Friday’s session, Vesti shared a statement through the Mercedes team website. “I am really looking forward to getting my first taste of the W16 in FP1 in Bahrain,” he said. “At the beginning of the year, I set myself the goal of making the most of every opportunity I get to drive an F1 car in 2025, and that’s exactly what I plan to do this weekend.”
He added, “I’ll be doing everything I can to support the team and to assist George and Kimi in preparing for the rest of the weekend. I am very grateful to Mercedes for continuing to give me these chances to grow and show what I can do.”
Mercedes Building Strong Momentum in 2025
This latest move comes as Mercedes look to build on a promising start to their 2025 Formula 1 campaign. Despite entering the season under the shadow of Lewis Hamilton’s shock departure to Ferrari, the Silver Arrows have quickly found their rhythm with a refreshed driver lineup and a renewed sense of purpose.
In Hamilton’s place, Mercedes welcomed rising star Kimi Antonelli to the team. The 18-year-old Italian has made an immediate impact, scoring points in each of his first three F1 races and impressively becoming the youngest driver ever to lead a grand prix during last weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka. His mature performances have silenced any doubts about his readiness for the top tier of motorsport.
Meanwhile, George Russell has also played a pivotal role in Mercedes’ resurgence. Following back-to-back podium finishes earlier in the season, Russell delivered a solid performance in Japan, finishing fifth and adding valuable points to the team’s constructors’ tally.
Together, Antonelli and Russell have accumulated a combined total of 75 points so far, which has propelled Mercedes into an unexpected position as early contenders for the constructors’ championship. They currently sit second in the standings, ahead of traditional rivals Red Bull and Ferrari, and are emerging as a real threat to McLaren, who lead the pack.
Mercedes’ technical upgrades and the strong synergy between their drivers have given the team a competitive edge in the opening races of the season. With Antonelli showing poise beyond his years and Russell providing consistency and experience, the team appears well-positioned to maintain its upward trajectory.
As the Bahrain Grand Prix approaches, all eyes will be on Frederik Vesti as he takes the wheel of the W16 in Friday’s FP1 session. While it’s just a practice outing, it’s a valuable opportunity for the young Dane to showcase his development and contribute to the team’s ongoing progress.
For Mercedes, it’s yet another sign of their forward-thinking approach—balancing the demands of the present with a clear vision for the future. And if the early part of the 2025 season is anything to go by, the Silver Arrows may well be back in the hunt for championship glory.
