F2 charger Vesti set to test with Mercedes in Abu Dhabi

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Mercedes is believed to have selected FIA Formula 2 charger Frederik Vesti as its young driver in Formula 1's post-season test in Abu Dhabi.

Mercedes enrolled Vesti into its junior programme at the start of 2021, and subsequently supported the young Dane's efforts last year with ART Grand Prix in the FIA Formula 3 Championship.

This season, the 20-year-old who has no prior F1 experience is showcasing his skills in Formula 2, again with ART with whom he won his maiden event in the category in Baku.

Mercedes has already fulfilled its F1 young driver mandate for 2022, with Nyck de Vries taking part in FP1 in France and last weekend in Mexico City.

The Dutchman will run with his new 2023 team, Scuderia AlphaTauri, at Formula 1's post-season two-day test at Yas Marina.

Vesti has yet to confirm his plans for 2023, but the Mercedes junior is expected to switch to Prema for a second campaign in Formula 2 in 2023.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.