Play all audios:
Frederik Vesti has spoken out about his excitement of replacing George Russell in Mercedes’ W14 car at the Mexican Grand Prix later this year. The Formula Two title contender will take
Russell’s place during the FP1 session in October. Teams are obliged to field an inexperienced driver for at least two practice sessions per season. Russell will make way for the
21-year-old Vesti. Vesti has enjoyed a remarkable season so far and sits second in the F2 leaderboard with 156 points. And the Danish ace will have the opportunity to drive alongside Lewis
Hamilton in FP1 at the Mexican Grand Prix later this year. Speaking about the opportunity, he said: "I'm incredibly proud to be doing the FP1 session in Mexico City with the team
- it's a dream come true. "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. “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. I want to thank Mercedes for this incredible opportunity, as well as my sponsors and manager for always believing in me. I can't wait to be driving W14 for the first
time." Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff insists driving in FP2 is the ‘next step’ in Vesti’s development and is pleased to hand the opportunity to the young talent. The Austrian will
reportedly opt to cast Russell aside for the session, placing Vesti alongside seven-time world champion Hamilton. "Fred has executed an impressive Formula Two campaign so far this
season. Driving in an FP1 session is the next step in his development and we're looking forward to giving him that opportunity,” Wolff said. “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."