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Frederik Vesti and Fellow Rookies Prepare for Bahrain GP Practice
Frederik Vesti is set to participate in the opening practice session for the Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix, taking the wheel of George Russell’s W16 for Mercedes, while Felipe Drugovich will drive for Aston Martin once again.
Vesti, who clinched the title in the 2019 Formula Regional European Championship and finished as the runner-up in the 2023 Formula 2 series, has been aligned with Mercedes since 2021. Currently serving as the team’s reserve driver alongside Valtteri Bottas, he also races in the IMSA SportsCar Championship with Cadillac.
According to current F1 regulations, teams are required to field rookie drivers—defined as those who have entered a maximum of two Grand Prix—twice during each Grand Prix weekend of the 2025 season. Vesti’s upcoming appearance in Bahrain marks his first of these mandated outings, while debutant Andrea Kimi Antonelli has already satisfied this requirement in the previous races in Melbourne and Shanghai.
“I’m eagerly anticipating my first experience with the W16 during FP1 in Bahrain,” Vesti stated. “Applying all the simulator work I’ve done thus far on an actual track is a thrilling opportunity for me.”
He added, “At the start of the year, I aimed to make the most of every chance to drive an F1 car in 2025, and I hope to achieve that in Bahrain. I will do everything possible to assist the team, George, and Kimi in preparing for the weekend.”
Vesti has previously driven the Mercedes W14 in FP1 sessions at the Mexico City and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix in 2023, while the mandatory sessions were assigned to Antonelli the year before.
On the other hand, Aston Martin’s reserve driver Drugovich will be taking part in his sixth FP1 outing with the team, stepping into Fernando Alonso’s car. According to Aston Martin, Drugovich has accumulated over 9,100 km of F1 mileage and is no stranger to the Bahrain Circuit, having competed in nine races in F1’s feeder series, which includes a race win. He also stepped in for an injured Lance Stroll during the pre-season testing for the 2023 season.
“We are pleased to provide Felipe with this opportunity to drive the AMR25 in Bahrain,” stated Andy Cowell, CEO and team principal of Aston Martin. “He plays a critical role in our simulator program at the AMR Technology Campus and consistently offers valuable feedback that aids in the car’s development. We trust his capabilities, and we’re confident he’ll perform admirably in FP1 and contribute to our race preparations.”
At Williams, Luke Browning, the recipient of the Aston Martin Autosport BRDC Award, will be continuing his development after a recent test with the FW45 car. The Macau Grand Prix victor and F2 podium finisher will be driving Carlos Sainz’s vehicle in the upcoming session.
“Having another chance to drive in a free practice session with Williams is a dream come true, and I am gaining confidence each time I’m behind the wheel,” said the 23-year-old British driver, who previously participated in the Abu Dhabi FP1 session and subsequent young driver test. “My primary goal for FP1 is to familiarize myself with the F1 environment and procedures while building on my experience from December’s test. I look forward to experiencing the progression from the FW46 to the FW47.”
Sven Smeets, Williams’ sporting director, commented on Browning’s progress, noting, “He has shown significant improvement since his first F2 weekend last year and has scored points in the opening race of the season in Australia. His prior FP1 experience, involvement in our TPC program, and simulator work have prepared him well for this weekend, and we anticipate seeing him advance in his development.”
In addition to Vesti, Drugovich, and Browning, at least two other rookie drivers are expected to take to the track during the FP1 session at Sakhir. Ferrari protégé Dino Beganovic will pilot Charles Leclerc’s SF-25, while Oliver Bearman will give his Haas car to Ryo Hirakawa, who has recently transitioned to the team from Alpine.
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