The seven time world champion will be able to put his feet up during the opening practice ahead of this weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Lewis Hamilton will get some time off ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Mercedes have confirmed junior driver Frederik Vesti will take part in their first Free Practice session (FP1), prior to this weekend’s season finale. Last month he participated in FP1 at the Mexico City GP, in place of George Russell and will now fulfil the second of the two obligatory sessions where teams must run a rookie, behind the seat of Hamilton’s car.
The 21-year-old Dane will also get a full day’s running in the W14 during end-of-season testing.
Vesti has so far this season claimed four victories and three other podium finishes, placing it in second place in the 2023 F2 Championship. There’s still one round left, so he can still win the title.
“This is a new phase in my career,” Vesti stated, “driving in Formula One in Abu Dhabi.” It was a significant moment for me to attend my first official session during an F1 weekend in Mexico.
“I gained a lot of knowledge and really enjoyed working with Lewis and George as well as supporting the team.” Building on that experience at Yas Marina is something I’m excited about. I’m familiar with the song, so it will be easier for me to catch up in the hour of practice.
“I can’t wait to take the wheel of the W14 again for FP1 and the post-season test.” I would like to express my gratitude to the team once more for providing me with this chance.”
“Fred acquitted himself well during his first FP1 session in Mexico City, running through the programme smoothly and helping us start the weekend in a positive manner,” said Andrew Shovlin, Director of Trackside Engineering. We can’t wait to get him back in the car and head to Abu Dhabi. Fred has a packed schedule this weekend because of his F2 obligations.
“He has demonstrated that he is mature and self-assured enough to handle this, though, and I have no doubt that he will benefit greatly from it this weekend.”
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