5 rookie drivers will participate in Free Apply 1 at System 1’s Bahrain Grand Prix, with Frederik Vesti driving George Russell’s Mercedes W16.
A System Regional European champion in 2019 and System 2 runner-up in 2023, Vesti has been on Mercedes’ books since 2021, presently performing because the crew’s reserve driver alongside Valtteri Bottas – on prime of his racing commitments within the IMSA SportsCar Championship with Cadillac.
F1 rules state that groups should run rookies – drivers who’ve competed in two grands prix at most – twice in every of their automobiles over the 2025 season’s grand prix weekends.
Debutant Andrea Kimi Antonelli has already fulfilled this requirement in Melbourne and Shanghai on his facet of the storage, and Vesti is about to do likewise with, at first, his Bahrain look.
“I’m actually wanting ahead to getting my first style of the W16 in FP1 in Bahrain,” the 23-year-old Dane mentioned. “With the ability to put all of my simulator work into observe on the observe is a extremely thrilling prospect for me.
“Firstly of the 12 months, I set myself the objective of maximising each likelihood I get behind the wheel of an F1 automotive in 2025, and that’s what I hope to attain in Bahrain. I will probably be doing all the things I can to assist the crew, George, and Kimi get set for the remainder of the weekend.
“I’m grateful to Mercedes for as soon as once more giving me this chance.”
Related guidelines beforehand allowed Vesti to drive Mercedes’ W14 automotive in FP1 on the Mexico Metropolis and Abu Dhabi grands prix in 2023, whereas final 12 months the required periods had been given to incoming racer Antonelli.
Felipe Drugovich, Aston Martin F1 Staff within the storage
Photograph by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Pictures
In the meantime, Aston Martin reserve driver Felipe Drugovich will partake in his sixth FP1 outing with the Silverstone-based outfit, taking up Fernando Alonso’s automotive.
Aston Martin studies that Drugovich’s complete F1 mileage “presently exceeds 9,100km”, with the 2022 F2 champion having earlier information of the Bahrain observe by means of 9 races in F1’s feeder collection – together with one victory – in addition to standing in for Lance Stroll throughout F1’s 2023 pre-season testing.
“We’re happy to supply Felipe this chance to drive the AMR25 in Bahrain,” CEO and crew principal Andy Cowell mentioned. “He has been an integral a part of our crew’s simulator programme on the AMR Technological Campus and constantly offers precious and insightful suggestions that helps drive the event of the automotive.
“Felipe is a trusted pair of palms, and we’re assured he’ll do an important job in FP1 and contribute to our preparations for the race weekend.”
At Williams, Luke Browning will construct on a Monza check accomplished final weekend with the FW45 automotive from the 2023 season, as he takes to the observe in FP1. The Macau Grand Prix winner, who took a podium within the inaugural race of the F2 season at Albert Park, will probably be entrusted with Carlos Sainz’s automotive.
Luke Browning, Williams FW46
Photograph by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Pictures
“Being given one other alternative to drive in a Free Apply session with Williams is a dream come true, and I am getting an increasing number of confidence every time I drive the automotive,” commented the 23-year-old Briton, who additionally partook within the Yas Marina FP1 session and younger driver check on the finish of final season.
“My most important intention for FP1 is to get extra snug with the procedures and surroundings that include System 1, and to construct on my expertise from Abu Dhabi final December. I’m excited to really feel the development from the FW46 to the FW47.”
Williams sporting director Sven Smeets added: “Luke has made sturdy progress since his first System 2 weekend final 12 months and scored good factors within the opening race of the season in Australia.
“His earlier FP1 expertise, participation in our TPC programme, and simulator work have ready him properly for this weekend and we look ahead to seeing him take this subsequent step ahead in his improvement.”
At the least two different rookies will participate in FP1 at Sakhir, with Ferrari protege Dino Beganovic driving Charles Leclerc’s SF-25 equipment, whereas Oliver Bearman will cede his Haas automotive to Ryo Hirakawa following the latter’s current swap from Alpine.
Learn Additionally:
On this article
Ben Vinel
System 1
Frederik Vesti
Mercedes
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