Mercedes confirms Vesti replaces Russell in Mexico FP1
NXTbets Pro | Published On: October 28, 2026
Mercedes confirms Vesti
Mercedes confirmed George Russell will miss first practice at the Mexican Grand Prix, and Frederik Vesti will take his place in Mexico City. It is the first time Vesti will replace Russell in FP1, and the change gives Mercedes another look at one of its reserve drivers on a grand prix weekend. Vesti will step into Russell’s W17 for the first time, adding a new assignment to a season that has already taken him through two other Friday runs. The move gives Vesti more time in the car and another chance to work with the team in live track conditions.
Vesti’s FP1 history
The Mexico City run will be Vesti’s third FP1 appearance of the 2026 Formula 1 season. He already completed Friday sessions in Barcelona and Hungary, both times in Kimi Antonelli’s car. This time, the assignment shifts to Russell’s machine. Vesti said the opportunity means a lot to him, and the team has already indicated that it expects to use him again later in 2026.
Rookie requirement remains
Formula 1 teams must complete four rookie FP1 sessions during the season, with two runs per car, and Mercedes still needs one more appearance to reach that requirement. Vesti’s Mexico outing gets the team closer to that target, but it does not finish the job. Mercedes has not announced its final rookie practice session, so one more decision remains before the team can close out the rule. Simone Resta said Vesti’s work helps connect on-track performance with the team’s virtual development.
