Hola, Fred! Vesti to Drive FP1 in Mexico

As in Bahrain, the Dane will replace George in W16 for the opening session at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.

Formula 1 rules say that each driver must sit out two FP1 sessions in a seasons to allow a rookie – classed as any driver who has done fewer than two Grands Prix – to drive the car.

As Kimi had not started more than two Grands Prix at the start of this campaign, his two rookie FP1s were covered at the first two races in Australia and China.

‘Privilege’ to Take Sim Work to the Track

“I am extremely happy to get back behind the wheel of W16 for FP1 in Mexico this weekend,” said Fred.

“I have done a lot of work in the simulator these past few months and it is a huge privilege to put this into action on track.

“This new opportunity will give me more experience as a driver but will also enable me to bring new input to the simulator team back in Brackley.”

Fred on Form

As well as providing invaluable sim data to our team in-between and across Grand Prix weekends this season, Fred has also been racing in the IMSA Sportscar series in the United States.

He will arrive in Mexico having claimed back-to-back wins in the category at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Petit Le Mans event at Road Atlanta.

Away from motor racing, the 23-year-old also completed his first Ironman event during the summer.

This will be Fred’s second FP1 in Mexico, after he made his F1 Grand Prix weekend debut in the same session in W14 in 2023. That season, he also completed FP1 in Abu Dhabi.

Mexico City 2025 will be his fourth appearance in an official F1 Practice session.

Kimi drove in both our mandatory rookie sessions in 2024, stepping in for George at Monza and Lewis in Mexico.

Fred said: “My endurance racing this year has helped me stay sharp and prepare to jump back into the F1 car, and I have been working on my neck for Mexico as we know Formula 1 does not spare the body!

“I want to thank the team for giving me this opportunity and allowing me to build on the progress we have made so far.”