Mercedes announce George Russell FP1 absence due to…..read more
Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team has confirmed that George Russell will not be participating in the first free practice session (FP1) of the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend. In his place, the team’s reserve and development driver, Frederik Vesti, will take over driving duties in the W16.
This move aligns with the current Formula 1 sporting regulations, which require each team to allow a rookie driver—defined as one with two or fewer Grand Prix starts—to take part in at least two free practice sessions during the season. Mercedes has chosen the Bahrain GP for one of those sessions, giving Vesti a chance to gain valuable track experience in a current F1 car.
For the 23-year-old Danish driver, this upcoming FP1 session marks his third time behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car during a Grand Prix weekend. Vesti previously participated in FP1 sessions at the Mexican and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix in 2023, also driving for Mercedes. The opportunity to get behind the wheel again is seen as a significant step in his development as a potential future full-time driver in the sport.
In a statement shared via Mercedes’ official website, Vesti expressed his excitement and eagerness to make the most of this upcoming opportunity. “I am really looking forward to getting my first taste of the W16 in FP1 in Bahrain,” he said. “Being able to put all of my simulator work into practice on the track is a really exciting prospect for me.”
He added that he has set clear objectives for himself in 2025, emphasizing the importance of capitalizing on every chance to drive an F1 car. “At the start of the year, I set myself the goal of maximising every chance I get behind the wheel of an F1 car in 2025, and that is what I hope to achieve in Bahrain,” Vesti stated. He also mentioned his commitment to supporting the team throughout the weekend, saying, “I will be doing everything I can to help the team, George, and Kimi get set for the rest of the weekend. I am grateful to Mercedes for once again giving me this opportunity.”
Mercedes appears to be moving in a positive direction at the start of the new season, showing signs of solid performance and consistency. This has provided some reassurance to fans and pundits alike, especially in the wake of Lewis Hamilton’s high-profile departure from the team. The team is working to build momentum and continue their development with their current lineup, which includes George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, who is expected to rise as a prominent figure within the team.
Giving Vesti another run in the car not only helps fulfill regulatory obligations but also serves as part of Mercedes’ broader strategy to prepare its next generation of drivers. By involving him in real race weekend sessions and evaluating his feedback and performance, Mercedes can continue grooming talent while ensuring their main drivers are supported by capable reserve and simulator counterparts.
As the 2025 season unfolds, all eyes will be on how Mercedes juggles performance, development, and long-term planning, especially with promising young drivers like Vesti stepping into the spotlight.
