Several driver changes for FP1 in Bahrain

The young drivers will be in the spotlight on the Sakhir circuit. On a track very well-known to the paddock, several teams have taken the opportunity to announce their intention to run some members of their academy. This decision is made under the new rules imposed by the FIA. From now on, each team must field rookies (drivers who have completed less than two Grand Prix in F1) in four free practice sessions, with each of the two main drivers having to give up their seat twice in the season. In Bahrain, Mercedes, Aston Martin, Williams, Ferrari, and Haas have all made this choice.

Vesti replaces Russell at Mercedes

On the German team’s side, the choice of driver fell on Frederik Vesti. The Dane, champion of the Formula Regional European in 2019 and vice-champion of Formula 2 in 2023, had not made an appearance during a race weekend since 2023 and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix where he replaced seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. A logical choice since Vesti has been a reserve driver for Mercedes since 2021. He also covered the most kilometers of all W16 drivers, even if they were all done virtually, according to Bradley Lord, representative and communication director for the Mercedes team.

The Dane, who is competing in the IMSA SportsCar Championship with Cadillac this year, is thrilled with the opportunity he has been given and is already eager to get on track, even if this first free practice session is not very representative of the rest of the weekend. “I’m really looking forward to experiencing the W16 for the first time during free practice 1 in Bahrain. Being able to apply all the work done on the simulator on track is a very exciting prospect for me. At the beginning of the year, I set a goal to maximize every opportunity to drive an F1 car in 2025, and that’s what I hope to achieve in Bahrain. I will do everything I can to help the team, George, and Kimi prepare for the rest of the weekend. I am grateful to Mercedes for once again offering me this opportunity,” said the Dane, who will therefore participate in his third free practice session with Mercedes.

Drugovich replaces Alonso

Despite everything, the 2023 F3 vice-champion will not be the only rookie on the track. Indeed, besides the regular drivers, Brazilian Felipe Drugovich, the 2022 F2 world champion, will also take to the track in place of Fernando Alonso. This is already the sixth testing session for Drugovich with the team based in Silverstone. An experience that has already allowed him to reach 9100 km behind the wheel of an F1 car.

« I am very happy to get back behind the wheel of an F1, especially so early in the season », the Brazilian rejoices. « I prepared on the simulator to get familiar with the car, and Bahrain is a circuit that I really enjoy. I am thrilled to contribute and provide the team with the necessary data to give its best this weekend. Thank you to the whole team for its continued support. »

For its part, the team has complete confidence in the Brazilian driver, who has already raced nine times on this track during promotion formulas and even replaced Stroll during the winter tests in 2023 when the Canadian was injured. “We are happy to offer this opportunity to Felipe to drive the AMR25 in Bahrain,” stated team director and CEO Andy Cowell. “He plays an essential role in our simulator program and constantly provides valuable feedback that helps in the development of the car. Felipe is a reliable asset, and we are confident in his performance in FP1 to prepare well for the weekend.”

Browning replaces Sainz at Williams

Another British team, Williams will also change its driver duo for the first session at the Sakhir circuit. Carlos Sainz, off to a slow start this season, will hand over his seat to reserve driver Luke Browning, third in the F3 championship last year. The winner of the Aston Martin Autosport BRDC award will thus continue his progression after a test carried out last weekend at Monza with the 2023 FW45. This session is not a first for the winner of the 2023 Macau Grand Prix, as he has already participated in a free practice session, the one in Abu Dhabi in 2024.

« Having a new opportunity to drive in FP1 with Williams is a dream that continues. I gain confidence each time I take the wheel », said the Briton, explaining that he mainly wants to take advantage of this opportunity to gain experience. « My main goal is to become even more accustomed to the procedures and environment of F1 and to capitalize on my experience from Abu Dhabi. I am eager to feel the progression between the FW46 and the FW47. »

His sporting director, Sven Smeets, also added: « Luke has made a lot of progress since his first F2 weekend last year, and he scored good points in the first race of the season in Australia. His previous experience in FP1, his participation in our TPC program, and his work in the simulator have well-prepared him for this weekend. We look forward to seeing him take this new step. »

Five rookies in total take to the track in Sakhir.

In total, five rookie drivers will participate in the first free practice session of the Bahrain Grand Prix. In addition to Vesti, Drugovich, and Browning, Dino Beganovic and Ryo Hirakawa will also be present during FP1. The Swede, an F2 driver and teammate of Luke Browning at Hitech, will take the wheel from Charles Leclerc at Ferrari, while Hirakawa, winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2022, will be in Oliver Bearman’s seat at Haas just days after joining the American team as a reserve driver.

With the other rookies on the grid, such as Kimi Antonelli, Isack Hadjar, Gabriel Bortoleto, and Jack Doohan, the young drivers will be in the spotlight this Friday in Bahrain. Let’s hope, however, that they don’t rush things, as this is a golden opportunity for them to show they have the talent to, perhaps, become full-time drivers in the near future.