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Fred Vesti Returns to W14 in Abu Dhabi

Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team Junior Driver Frederik Vesti will take part in FP1 for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this weekend. The Dane will also get a full day’s running in the W14 during next Tuesday’s (28 November) end-of-season test at the Yas Marina Circuit.

Last month, the 21-year-old participated in FP1 at the Mexico City Grand Prix, in place of George Russell. He will now fulfil the second of the two FP1 sessions in which the team must run a rookie, driving Lewis Hamilton’s car. The end-of-season test will also mark one year since Fred got his first experience of F1 machinery, as he took part in the same event driving the W13 in 2022.

Fred, in his second year in the category, is currently second in the 2023 F2 Championship. He has taken five victories and three other podium finishes so far this season, ahead of the final round of 2023, where he still has a chance of claiming the title.

Driving in FP1 in Abu Dhabi is another step in my career.

Fred Vesti

Fred, who has been a member of the team’s junior programme since 2021, said: “Driving in FP1 in Abu Dhabi is another step in my career. Getting my first experience of an official session on an F1 weekend in Mexico was a big moment. I learnt so much, and it was great being able to support the team and work with Lewis and George. I’m looking forward to building on that experience at Yas Marina. It’s a track I know well and that will no doubt make it easier to get up to speed in the one hour of practice. I’m extremely excited to get back behind-the-wheel of the W14 for FP1 and then the post-season test. Once again, I want to say a big thank you to the team for giving me this opportunity.”

Andrew Shovlin, Trackside Engineering Director, commented: “Fred acquitted himself well during his first FP1 session in Mexico City, running through the programme smoothly and helping us begin the weekend in a positive manner. We look forward to having him back in the car for Abu Dhabi. It will be a busy weekend for Fred, given his F2 commitments. He has shown he has the maturity and confidence to handle this though, and I am sure he will get the most out of it across the weekend.”

Next Race: 2023 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
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