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Mercedes confirm Formula 2 star as Lewis Hamilton’s replacement for Abu Dhabi

 

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Mercedes have announced that Frederik Vesti will take Lewis Hamilton’s spot in first practice for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

 

Formula 1 guidelines state that each team must run a rookie in two practice sessions across the season to aid junior drivers’ development.

 

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Vesti has won five races and got three other podiums in F2 this year

Vesti has won five races and got three other podiums in F2 this yearCredit: Getty

Many teams are yet to fulfill that requirement due to wanting their main drivers to have as much practice time for each Grand Prix.

 

However, with Abu Dhabi serving as the F1 season finale and a lot of the standings already confirmed, a host of young stars will be behind the wheel on Friday instead,

 

An F1 rookie – who is a driver who has competed in two or fewer F1 Grands Prix – was part of McLaren, AlphaTauri, and Williams’ 2023 line-up meaning they completed their requirements early.

 

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18-year-old British hopeful Oliver Bearman, who is a Ferrari academy star, will get his chance in Abu Dhabi driving for American team Haas.

 

Meanwhile, Mercedes have confirmed that Danish starlet Vesti will drive Hamilton’s car in the United Arab Emirates.

 

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Vesti has been a part of the Silver Arrows’ junior program since 2021 and deputised for George Russell in FP1 in Mexico last month.

 

The 21-year-old is second in the Formula 2 standings after securing five wins for Prema Racing this season.

 

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Vesti still has an outside chance of claiming the title himself ahead of the final round at the Yas Marina circuit but Theo Pourchaire remains the heavy favourite.

 

Hamilton will hand over the keys to his W14 for FP1Credit: Rex

Oscar Piastri joined fellow rookies Liam Lawson and Nyck de Vries in being handed a race seat for 2023Credit: Getty

Regardless of the outcome, the future looks bright for Vesti, who told Mercedes’ official website: “Driving in FP1 in Abu Dhabi is another step in my career.

 

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“Getting my first experience of an official session on an F1

weekend in Mexico was a big moment.