As per the regulations, all teams must field a ‘rookie’ driver on at least two occasions during the season.
Many teams have opted to wait until Abu Dhabi - the final race of the season - to fulfil their requirement to run a rookie.
Mercedes are one of the teams who will be fielding a rookie driver, with a member of their junior programme taking to the track on Friday.
The 21-year-old Dane has been part of the Mercedes junior team since 2021.
He got his first proper taste of F1 action at the post-season test in Abu Dhabi last year, completing 124 laps in the W13.
Frederik Vesti (DEN) Mercedes AMG F1 W13 Test Driver. Formula 1 Testing,…
In terms of his recent racing record, Vesti has spent his recent years in F1’s feeder categories.
In 2019, he impressively stormed to the Formula Regional European Championship with a dominant season.
Two respectable F3 campaigns - where he finished fourth overall back-to-back - resulted in a promotion to F2.
His rookie F2 season was relatively solid, securing ninth in the final standings with one victory.
This year has been more impressive, mounting a serious title charge against Theo Pourchaire.
His chances of the title have reduced in recent F2 rounds though after two DNFs in the last three races.
