‘I Want to Be the Best Possible Link Between Track and Factory’

‘This Team Has Given Me So Much’

Firstly, I can’t tell you how pleased I am to be stepping into my role as Third Driver for the team.

Since joining the Mercedes family in 2021, it’s been a great progression for me and the team and I’ve learned so much from everyone around me, both trackside and in Brackley.

I’ve gone from a junior to a very experienced position, and I’m even closer to my dream of racing in F1, and that means so much to me. The team’s given me a lot, and I’m excited to keep working with them.

But what exactly does my new role mean? Well, let me explain.

I see it as more of a full-time role, as I’ll be trackside a lot more in 2026.

Last year was more part-time, and I can’t wait to help George and Kimi and the whole team on track, bringing as much information as possible back to Brackley.

I want to make sure I’m the best possible link between track and factory, particularly on the simulator side.

And of course, I’ll have the chance to jump into W17 on the track at points, too.

I Knew How the Car Felt, But I’d Never Seen It!

Seeing our car revealed to the world in January was really exciting.

It was a strange feeling, because I already felt as though I knew W17 really well from the sim, but I didn’t even know what it looked like! I knew how it felt, but I’d never even seen it.

Knowing how many hours everyone spent to get it running made it extra memorable. Personally, too, it was a proud moment because I feel as though I’ve been an important part in making that happen.

Since the beginning of 2025 we have been working on this car and it’s been an incredible journey. It really ignited everyone at the factory, because we weren’t just rinse and repeating, it was a brand-new thing.

We discovered things that were better and worse than before. We uncovered bugs that needed to be fixed before Barcelona, but we did that and it was great to see it running reliably last week.

It was a good first step for the team, but it was just that, a first step. There are many more left to take.

These cars are trickier to drive, you need a more technical driver, you can’t just jump in and expect your talent to be enough. Drivers will need to use their brains, and their technical knowledge to make it work.

Every driver loves the idea of having more levers at their disposal, and that is exactly what they will get in 2026.

Another Trophy for the Collection

Away from Brackley, I’m delighted to have already stood on a racing podium this year, and there’s been some more silverware added to the cabinet.

I achieved my best-ever 24-hour race result at Daytona with an overall P2, but in truth it is probably the most disappointing P2 I have ever had, because I felt as though we could’ve won.

Nevertheless, I leave Daytona with a lot of confidence and hope for the future. My role in IMSA and at Mercedes means I have the best of both worlds, so what’s not to love?

In truth, there wasn’t much of an off-season for me this year, but I was able to switch off and enjoy some time with my family at home in Denmark, there was plenty of snow on the ground by that point.

But there’s always something active going on in my head, whether that’s racing or something else. I completed my second triathlon at the end of last year, I was absolutely destroyed the next day, but that’s what I love about the life I lead.

The next few weeks and months are going to be hectic, but I can’t wait. I look forward to seeing you all trackside in 2026, and keeping you updated with how things are going through the season!

Bye bye for now,

Best,

Fred.