{"id":4517,"date":"2026-10-27T11:30:00","date_gmt":"2026-10-27T14:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/?p=4517"},"modified":"2026-10-27T11:23:50","modified_gmt":"2026-10-27T14:23:50","slug":"mercedes-confirms-frederik-vesti-will-replace-george-russell-in-mexican-gp-fp1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/f1\/mercedes-confirms-frederik-vesti-will-replace-george-russell-in-mexican-gp-fp1\/","title":{"rendered":"Mercedes confirms Frederik Vesti will replace George Russell in Mexican GP FP1"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">News Summary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Frederik Vesti will replace George Russell during the opening practice session of the 2026 Mexican Grand Prix<\/strong>, giving the Mercedes reserve driver another Formula 1 race-weekend appearance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Russell will miss Friday&#8217;s first hour of running at Aut\u00f3dromo Hermanos Rodr\u00edguez before returning to the cockpit for FP2.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Vesti joins Freddie Slater and Jak Crawford among the confirmed FP1 substitutes<\/strong>, with Audi and Aston Martin also giving inexperienced drivers track time.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Mercedes has confirmed that Frederik Vesti will replace George Russell in the opening free practice session of the 2026 Formula 1 Mexico City Grand Prix on Friday (October 30).<\/strong> The Danish reserve driver will take over Russell&#8217;s W17 at Aut\u00f3dromo Hermanos Rodr\u00edguez as the team continues fulfilling its rookie-practice obligations, while the British driver is expected to return for FP2 later in the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The decision comes at a significant moment for Mercedes. Russell is second in the Drivers&#8217; Championship with 242 points, only one ahead of Ferrari&#8217;s Lewis Hamilton, while teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli leads the standings with 365 points and could secure the World Championship in Mexico. Vesti&#8217;s participation will therefore reduce Russell&#8217;s own preparation time at a circuit where altitude creates unusual technical demands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Vesti returns to Mercedes cockpit for Mexican GP practice<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Mexican Grand Prix will provide Vesti with another opportunity to work directly with Mercedes during a competitive Formula 1 weekend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Dane has been part of the manufacturer&#8217;s driver development programme since 2021 and has gained extensive experience in its simulator and testing operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He finished runner-up in the 2023 Formula 2 championship before expanding his responsibilities within Mercedes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Vesti also competes in sports car racing, while continuing to support the Formula 1 team&#8217;s preparation through simulator work and technical feedback.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His relationship with Mercedes has included previous FP1 appearances, particularly at the Mexican Grand Prix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The driver made his official Formula 1 weekend debut at Aut\u00f3dromo Hermanos Rodr\u00edguez in 2023, when he also substituted for Russell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He returned to the circuit for another practice appearance in 2025, again taking over the British driver&#8217;s car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That familiarity makes Mexico a logical venue for his latest outing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, <strong>the W17 represents a different technical challenge from the cars Vesti previously drove<\/strong>, following the major changes to Formula 1&#8217;s aerodynamic and power-unit regulations for 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Vesti-Mercedes-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1020310329\" srcset=\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Vesti-Mercedes-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Vesti-Mercedes-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Vesti-Mercedes-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Vesti-Mercedes-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Vesti-Mercedes.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Frederik Vesti (Photo: Mercedes)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Russell will miss Mexico&#8217;s opening practice session<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Formula 1 requires teams to provide opportunities for eligible inexperienced drivers during Grand Prix practice sessions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The programme allows junior and reserve drivers to gain experience in contemporary F1 cars while contributing to the teams&#8217; technical work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For established race drivers, it means surrendering a limited amount of track time during selected weekends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Russell will consequently miss FP1 but is expected to return for FP2 on Friday afternoon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The substitution does not affect his entry for qualifying or Sunday&#8217;s race.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mercedes will use Vesti&#8217;s session to gather information on the car&#8217;s behaviour, particularly as teams prepare for the challenges presented by Mexico City&#8217;s altitude.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The circuit sits approximately 2,240 metres above sea level, where reduced air density affects aerodynamic performance, cooling and turbocharger operation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These conditions are especially relevant to <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/f1\/mexicos-2240-metre-altitude-puts-f1s-new-hybrid-engines-to-their-toughest-test-yet\/\">Formula 1&#8217;s new-generation hybrid engines<\/a><\/strong>, which generate a much larger proportion of their power electrically than the previous generation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A productive first session will therefore be important for Mercedes even with one of its regular race drivers absent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mercedes prepares for Mexico with Russell under pressure<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Russell arrives in Mexico after a difficult United States Grand Prix, where he qualified sixth and finished eighth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The British driver received a five-second penalty and struggled to match Antonelli&#8217;s pace throughout the weekend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Afterwards, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/f1\/russell-calls-austin-pace-rubbish-as-antonelli-wins-and-mercedes-mystery-deepens\/\">Russell admitted that his performance in Austin had been poor and that he lacked an explanation for the deficit<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Meanwhile, Antonelli converted pole position into his ninth victory of the season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Italian&#8217;s advantage over Russell has now reached 123 points, a gap examined in <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/f1\/same-mercedes-different-seasons-the-numbers-behind-antonellis-123-point-lead-over-russell\/\">GRANDE PR\u00caMIO&#8217;s comparison of the Mercedes teammates&#8217; contrasting 2026 campaigns<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Russell also faces considerable pressure from the drivers immediately behind him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hamilton has 241 points, Max Verstappen 236 and Charles Leclerc 233, leaving the four drivers separated by just nine points in the fight for second place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The decision to give Vesti FP1 therefore comes during a weekend when Russell will be seeking to recover competitiveness and protect his championship position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Although missing practice reduces his available running, Mercedes can use the data collected by Vesti and Antonelli to inform its preparation before Russell returns to the car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Which rookie drivers will participate in Mexico FP1?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Vesti is not the only driver replacing a regular competitor during Friday&#8217;s opening session.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Audi has confirmed <strong>Freddie Slater<\/strong> will take over Gabriel Bortoleto&#8217;s car, giving the young British prospect his first official Formula 1 Grand Prix practice appearance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Slater is scheduled to complete another session for Audi at S\u00e3o Paulo, where he will substitute for Nico H\u00fclkenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The manufacturer&#8217;s decision was previously detailed in <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/f1\/audi-confirms-freddie-slaters-f1-practice-debut-at-mexico-and-sao-paulo-gps\/\">Audi&#8217;s announcement of Slater&#8217;s Mexico and S\u00e3o Paulo FP1 appearances<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Aston Martin will also give track time to <strong>Jak Crawford<\/strong>, who is scheduled to replace Lance Stroll.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Crawford has already participated in several practice sessions for the British manufacturer, allowing him to accumulate valuable experience in a current Formula 1 car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mexican Grand Prix 2026 \u2014 Confirmed FP1 substitutions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><th>Team<\/th><th>Practice driver<\/th><th>Regular driver replaced<\/th><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Mercedes<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>F. VESTI<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>G. RUSSELL<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Audi<\/td><td>F. SLATER<\/td><td>G. BORTOLETO<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Aston Martin<\/td><td>J. CRAWFORD<\/td><td>L. STROLL<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Confirmed substitutions reported ahead of the Mexican Grand Prix. Additional announcements may change the complete FP1 entry list.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">All three regular drivers are expected to return for the second practice session.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What time is Mexico FP1?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The opening practice session for the 2026 Mexican Grand Prix takes place on <strong>Friday, October 30, at 12:30pm local time<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The session is scheduled to last 60 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mexico GP FP1 \u2014 International start times<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><th>Location<\/th><th>Local start<\/th><\/tr><tr><td>Mexico City<\/td><td>12:30pm CST, Friday<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>United Kingdom<\/td><td>6:30pm GMT, Friday<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>New York \/ Toronto<\/td><td>2:30pm EDT, Friday<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Bras\u00edlia<\/td><td>3:30pm BRT, Friday<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>India<\/td><td>12:00am IST, Saturday<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Sydney \/ Melbourne<\/td><td>5:30am AEDT, Saturday<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Auckland \/ Wellington<\/td><td>7:30am NZDT, Saturday<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mercedes will then return to its regular Russell-Antonelli pairing for FP2, scheduled for 4:00pm in Mexico City.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Qualifying takes place on Saturday, October 31, while Sunday&#8217;s race could decide the World Championship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/f1\/what-does-andrea-kimi-antonelli-need-to-win-the-2026-f1-title-in-mexico\/\">the latest title calculations show, Antonelli needs only ninth place to secure the championship in Mexico<\/a><\/strong>, regardless of Russell&#8217;s result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>GRANDE PR\u00caMIO<\/strong> is following every session of the Mexican Grand Prix this weekend, with breaking news, full coverage and real-time updates in its <a href=\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/f1\/\">Formula 1 section<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Mercedes reserve driver Frederik Vesti will take over George Russell&#8217;s car in the opening practice session at Aut\u00f3dromo Hermanos Rodr\u00edguez, adding a third confirmed substitution to the Mexican Grand Prix weekend.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1001097325,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"42wp_featured_image_caption":"FREDERIK VESTI, MERCEDES, F1 2026","42wp_featured_image_credits":"Frederik Vesti assume o carro do l\u00edder do Mundial na Mercedes, Kimi Antonelli (Foto: Mercedes)","42wp_featured_video":"","42wp_ai_content_disclaimer":"","42wp_is_ai_content":false,"42wp_featured_image_hidden":false,"42wp_authors_list":[{"id":22,"location":""}],"footnotes":"","42wp_hide_from_automatic":false,"42wp_breaking_news":false},"categories":[5],"tags":[19,111,17,16],"42wp_author":[22],"class_list":["post-4517","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-f1","tag-andrea-kimi-antonelli","tag-frederik-vesti","tag-george-russell","tag-mercedes","42wp_author-jp-nascimento"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4517","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4517"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4517\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4518,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4517\/revisions\/4518"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1001097325"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4517"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4517"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4517"},{"taxonomy":"42wp_author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/42wp_author?post=4517"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}