Rookies, those who have competed in no more than two Grand Prix in Formula 1, have the opportunity to drive an F1 car during the FP1 sessions. Each team is required to change its lineup in two separate free practice sessions for the car during the season. As was the case in the Japanese GP, where Hirakawa replaced Jack Doohan at Alpine, Mercedes has announced that Fred Vesti will take part in the Bahrain FP1.
The Free Practice Sessions
On Friday, drivers will take to the track for the first two free practice sessions of the weekend, but there will be two major absences in FP1: George Russell and Charles Leclerc. Both drivers will hand over their cars to two rookies: Fred Vesti and Dino Beganovic.
Fred Vesti is one of Mercedes’ reserve drivers and is also involved in the IMSA championship. This will be his first time testing the W16 on track. However, it is not his absolute debut in an F1 car. In 2022, he participated in the post-season tests, and in 2023, he drove in the FP1 sessions of the Mexican GP and Abu Dhabi GP with the Brackley team.
The Danish driver stated: “I’m looking forward to getting my first taste of the W16 in Bahrain FP1. Being able to put all my simulator work into practice on track is a truly exciting prospect for me. Earlier this year, I set myself the goal of maximizing every opportunity I get behind the wheel of an F1 car in 2025, and that’s what I hope to achieve in Bahrain.” Fred Vesti added: “I will do everything I can to help the team, George, and Kimi prepare for the rest of the weekend. I’m grateful to Mercedes for giving me this opportunity once again.”
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