George Russell will sit out FP1 on the Mexican GP to make method for Frederik Vesti in a mandated rookie follow session.
Mercedes reserve driver Frederik Vesti will get behind the wheel of the W17 in Mexico for the third time in 2026. Vesti took half in FP1s in Barcelona and Hungary in Kimi Antonelli’s Mercedes, making Mexico his first session in Russell’s automotive.
F1 groups are required to run 4 rookie follow classes all through the season, with two outings per automotive. A remaining rookie session has but to be introduced by Mercedes however Vesti is anticipated to have one other look over the previous couple of races of 2026.
“On Friday in Mexico Metropolis, I’ll be doing FP1 in George’s W17. So, big thanks to George for letting me drive your automotive,” Vesti stated.
“The final time I drove was in Budapest, so loads has occurred on this automotive since. So I can’t wait to really feel W17 as soon as once more.
“Thanks to the staff for letting me drive, it means loads. So let’s go do it. See you in Mexico.”
Mercedes reveals Fredrik Vesti’s “essential” contribution to improvement
Vesti has been a part of the Mercedes steady since 2021, making his F1 debut for the staff in FP1 on the 2023 Mexican Grand Prix. In 2026, he was promoted from reserve driver, a job which he has held since 2024, to 3rd driver after Valterri Bottas moved to a full-time racing seat with Cadillac.
Mercedes’ deputy technical director Simone Resta stated: Simone Resta, Mercedes’ deputy technical director, stated, “This weekend, we’ll have Fred contributing to our improvement, he’s going to be sitting in George’s automotive for FP1.
“It’s an important facet for us as a result of it’s the perfect bridge between our efficiency on observe and our digital world.
“And his good contributions given to a staff, we actually recognize this work from him.”
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