During the launch of the Mercedes W17, team principal Toto Wolff introduced the squad’s new third driver for the 2026 season. Following Valtteri Bottas, who will return to the track with Cadillac, Frederik Vesti will join George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli as part of the Silver Arrows lineup. A Mercedes driver since 2021, Frederik Vesti finished as runner-up in the 2023 Formula 2 World Championship.
Toto Wolff on the Mercedes driver lineup
Toto Wolff emphasized the value of the new driver structure, stating that George Russell, Kimi Antonelli, and Frederik Vesti represent the full meaning of the Mercedes driver program. He praised George Russell as one of the most complete and reliable drivers in Formula 1, highlighting his combination of speed, intelligence, and leadership. Kimi Antonelli was described as a talented and courageous young driver, whose eagerness to learn accelerates his development.
Regarding Frederik Vesti, Wolff explained that as third driver he provides essential continuity and a technical perspective that strengthens the team behind the scenes. “All three have progressed through our Junior program, and their skills complement each other perfectly. They will continue to challenge and support each other,” Toto Wolff added. “As we enter this new era of regulations, that collaboration – on track, in the simulator, and within the garage – will be a key force in driving the team forward.”
The confirmation of Frederik Vesti as Mercedes’ third driver for 2026 marks a symbolic milestone for the Brackley-based squad, as they enter the new technical era with a lineup composed entirely of their own academy graduates. By promoting Vesti to support George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, Toto Wolff is doubling down on a long-term strategy of homegrown talent, ensuring that the development of the W17 is guided by drivers who are intimately familiar with the team’s engineering culture. Ultimately, while Bottas’s move to Cadillac marks the end of an era, Vesti’s technical continuity in the simulator and trackside will be vital for Mercedes as they attempt to regain their status as the dominant force in Formula 1.
The 2026 Mercedes driver roster therefore highlights the success of their Junior Team, with Frederik Vesti providing the necessary backup and simulator expertise to support the team’s championship ambitions.
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