Mercedes junior Vesti to make Formula E test debut with Mahindra

©Mercedes

Mercedes Formula 1 junior driver, Frederik Vesti, is set to experience the electric world of Formula E with Mahindra Racing.

The 22-year-old Danish talent will participate in the upcoming rookie test scheduled by the series at Tempelhof the day after next month’s Berlin E-Prix.

After a successful stint in Formula 2, where he narrowly missed out on the championship title in 2023 with six race wins, Vesti transitioned to sportscar racing in the European Le Mans Series.

However, he maintains his ties to Formula 1 as a reserve driver for the Mercedes team.

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Vesti has already undergone preparations at Mahindra's headquarters, including a seat fitting and simulator work, to ensure he is fully prepared for his first outing in the Gen3 car.

"First of all, I’d like to say a big thank you to Frederic [Bertrand, Mahindra Team Principal] for giving me this opportunity,” said Vesti.

“It’s a great chance to test, and to prove myself as a rookie in a new championship.”

The test will provide the Dane with some valuable insight into the championship and potentially open a few doors for future opportunities within Formula E.

"It’s an amazing opportunity to learn, which is only going to help me grow as a driver,” he added.

“It’s what motivates me, I’m really looking forward to trying the GEN3 Formula E car, which I understand is quite a challenge.

"That’s probably what I like most about Formula E, it is challenging and the fact it’s a competitive World Championship that attracts some of the best drivers – and teams – is a great platform for me.

"I’ve finished up my preparations together with the team, so now I’m counting down the days until Berlin."

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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.