Mercedes junior Vesti handed FP1 outing in Mexico

©Mercedes

Mercedes junior Frederic Vesti, who currently competes in the FIA Formula 2 Championship, will make his official F1 debut at next October's Mexican Grand Prix.

Vesti will take part in Friday's FP1 as part of Formula 1's young driver regulations that mandate that all teams run a junior driver in at least two practice sessions during the season.

The 21-year-old Dane got his first taste of F1 machinery in the end-of-season young driver test in Abu Dhabi last year, when he completed 124 laps in the W13, describing it as "the most incredible day."

"I'm incredibly proud to be doing the FP1 session in Mexico City with the team - it's a dream come true," enthused Vesti.

"To think in less than two months that I'll be doing my first official Formula One session with Mercedes, who have won eight consecutive Constructors' Championships, is amazing.

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"This has been my dream since I was very young and something I've been fighting for through my whole junior career. It's taken a lot of hard work, and this is a very important step for me on my journey.

To be able to develop myself in an F1 car alongside some of the best drivers in the world is something I'm looking forward to."

Vesti is currently second in the F2 championship, just 12 points behind leader Theo Pourchaire with three rounds – or six races – to go in the season.

The talented Dane, who is in his second season in the category, has so far taken four wins and three podiums with his team Prema, including a stunning feature race win on the streets of Monaco.

Vesti joined the Mercedes' junior driver programme in 2021 and is a former winner of the Formula Regional European Championship.

"Fred has executed an impressive Formula 2 campaign so far this season," commented Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff.

"Driving in an FP1 session is the next step in his development and we're looking forward to giving him that opportunity.

"He is a talented young driver, not only quick but thoughtful, and he understands exactly what the team is looking for from him in the car. I am sure he will perform well and provide a solid starting point for our work over the weekend."

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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.