Vesti to replace Russell in opening Sakhir practice

Mercedes' test and reserve driver Fred Vesti will get behind the wheel of W16 in the opening practice at this weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix, replacing George Russell.

The Dane will replace George Russell for the opening 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 Vesti’s third rookie session, having previously driven for the Brackley-based team in FP1 in Mexico and Abu Dhabi in 2023.

A rookie is classed as a driver who has started two or fewer Grands Prix. As such, Mercedes' rookie driver Kimi Antonelli has already completed his two sessions for 2025, in Australia and China.

The weekend will give Vesti the chance to put his expertise in the simulator to the test on the track, having spent the first part of the year hard at work with the team in Brackley.

The Danish driver is combining this role with his first season with endurance racing in the United States, where he is competing in IMSA with Cadillac.

Commenting on his latest outing, Vesti said: “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.

“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.”