F1 News: Mercedes Reveals New Driver For Mexican Grand Prix FP1

F2 driver Frederik Vesti will get behind the wheel of the Mercedes W14 F1 car.

F2 Danish driver Frederik Vesti is all set to make his debut in Formula 1 during the Mexican Grand Prix weekend. Currently, the 21-year-old Mercedes driver is in second place in the Formula 2 championship and it seems like the team wants to give him a taste of what it's like to race in the W14 car as he is all set to take the wheel on 29 October during FP1.

Previously, Vesti had driven the W13 F1 car in Abu Dhabi, completing 124 laps during the end-of-the-season young driver tests. So, this would be his second experience in a Formula 1 car. The young driver is just 12 points behind the F2 2023 championship leader Theo Pourchaire.

Vesti entered the team's junior driver program in 2021 and is a former Formula Regional European Championship winner. Expressing gratitude for the opportunity given to him, he said:

"I am proud to be racing FP1 in Mexico City with the team: to think that in less than two months I will have my first official F1 session with Mercedes, who have won eight consecutive Constructors' World Championships, is fantastic.

"That's something I dreamed of and fought for throughout my junior career. It took a lot of hard work, it's a very important step in my journey and I am looking forward to growing in F1 alongside some of the best drivers in the world. Thank you Mercedes for this incredible opportunity: I can't wait to drive the W14 for the first time."

Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff has praised the young achiever and is looking forward to receiving a strong starting point from him for the Mexico GP weekend. He said:

"Fred has had an impressive season in Formula 2 so far and driving in an FP1 session is the next step in his development. We can't wait to give him this opportunity. young, talented, fast, reflective and understands exactly what the team is looking for from him. I am sure he will do well and provide a solid starting point for our work going into the Mexico GP weekend."