Formula 1 is officially on holiday after the Belgian Grand Prix in Spa. Three weeks off before being able to return to the track in Holland at the end of August. A break that will also be useful for the teams to evaluate the first part of the season. At Mercedes we look positively to the future after a progressive recovery from the Spanish Grand Prix onwards. Now the team is thinking about the next steps and the "to do list" or a list of things to do, there is the organization of the two weekends which, by regulation, they will have to see a rookie take to the track in the free practice sessions. Since last year, all teams have been required to leave two PL1 slots for the young promises of the sport. Mercedes has already chosen who will board the W14 and on what occasion the first seat switch with the official drivers will take place. The first driver to leave room for young people is the latest arrival at Mercedes, George Russell.
The break in Mercedes
After a complicated start to the season - and even more disappointing than last season - the Brackley team now occupies second place alone in the constructors' championship. A result resulting from a combination of events, including the setback of Aston Martin, which also risks losing its position to Ferrari. Not forgetting, however, the updates that Mercedes debuted almost immediately to give the drivers a car that is at least manageable. As a result of the better performances, the mood in the pits definitely improved. We still continue to talk about Hamilton's renewal, also a very important point on the "to do list", even if there is less emphasis.
However, the team has announced who will be the rookie to join the seven-time world champion in an official session. The name is that of a pilot who entered the Mercedes Junior Team family in 2021 and who is now engaged in a fight for the Formula 2 title. We are talking about the young Dane Frederick News. Vesti is currently second in standings, hot on the heels of Théo Pourchaire who is 12 points behind the Dane. This is Vesti's first official session in the Circus even though he has already made his debut in an F1 car, during the pre-season tests at Yas Marina.
When will Vesti be on track?
We said who, but we didn't say when we'll see this seat switch. Vesti will drive George Russell's W14 over the weekend of October 27-29 in Mexico, at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodríguez. As per the regulations, the team will have to get him on track during FP1. The conditions for participation are these: the driver cannot have taken part in more than two Grands Prix and must have sufficient points on his Super License. Vesti meets these requirements. His debut will be followed with great interest given the opportunity these young drivers have to showcase themselves in these sessions. Last year Theo Pourchaire, Logan Sargeant – promoted to Williams – Alex Palou and Robert Shwartzman took part in the first free practice session of the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix.
Source: FormulaPassion
