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This will be Fred’s third rookie session, having previously driven for the team in FP1 in Mexico and Abu Dhabi in 2023.
Mercedes’ Fred Vesti (X)
Mercedes has confirmed that test and reserve driver Fred Vesti will be racing at the FP1 at this weekend’s upcoming Bahrain Grand Prix.
The Dane will replace George for the session in Sakhir, in line with F1 regulations which state every driver on the grid must vacate their seat for a rookie for two FP1 sessions in a season.
This will be Fred’s third rookie session, having previously driven for the team in FP1 in Mexico and Abu Dhabi in 2023.
“I am really looking forward to getting my first taste of the W16 in FP1 in Bahrain. Being able to put all of my simulator work into practice on the track is a really exciting prospect for me,” Fred said in a statement.
“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.
“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 got off to an ideal start to the current season with both Russell and Kimi Antonelli sitting fourth and fifth respectively in the standings after three races.
In the Constuctors’ rankings, Marcedes are placed second with 75 points, only behind McLaren’s tally of 111 points.