Frederik Vesti becomes Mercedes reserve driver this year
After a year 2023 concluded by a Vice-Champion title in the F2 championship, Frederik Vesti will assume the role of reserve driver for Mercedes, alongside Mick Schumacher. The German cannot fulfill this role for the entire season due to his commitment in the WEC with Alpine.
The Dane began his single-seater career in 2016 with his national F4 championship. He obtained eight podiums in 20 races, including two victories, and finished fourth. Vesti won his first championship title in 2019 with the Formula Regional Europe, the current European F3. In the 24 races, he achieved 20 podiums, including 13 victories, and finished as champion with 467 points.
The following two years, he took part in the FIA F3, first with Prema Racing in 2020, and then with ART GP in 2021. Vesti finished fourth in the championship in both years. It was during his second year in F3 that he joined the Mercedes junior program, before joining the F2 in 2022, still with ART GP.
The first season of the Dane is one of learning. He only secures one victory and four other podium finishes in 28 races. Frederik Vesti finishes his season in ninth place in the standings with 117 points. In 2023, he significantly raises his level and battles for the championship until the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi against Théo Pourchaire. The Frenchman takes the title and Vesti finishes the season as runner-up with 16 podium finishes, including six wins in 26 races.
A year without competition
Frederik Vesti will not participate in a third consecutive season in the F1’s waiting room. He was once rumored to replace Logan Sargeant at Williams for 2024. However, the American has been retained for another season. Nevertheless, the Danish driver is getting closer to F1 as Mercedes has just announced him as a reserve driver for the team, at the same time that the German team unveiled its W15 car.
The star brand already has Mick Schumacher as a reserve driver since 2023. However, he will be participating in the WEC with Alpine and therefore will not be present for the entire F1 season. This new role within Mercedes could be Vesti’s opportunity to make it to F1. Lewis Hamilton’s seat will be available at the end of the 2024 season, and if Andrea Kimi Antonelli or another regular driver seems to be in a better position than the Dane, Toto Wolff announces wanting to take his time to make the best possible choice.
