Who is Frederik Vesti? Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes replacement in Abu Dhabi

FREDERIK VESTI has big gloves to fill as he’ll be replacing Lewis Hamilton this weekend in Abu Dhabi.

A host of young drivers are set to appear in what is the grand finale of the 2023 F1 season.

Reuters

Frederik Vesti will be behind the Mercedes wheel in Abu Dhabi[/caption]

And Mercedes have confirmed that Vesti, 21, will be in the driving seat on the Yas Marina Circuit.

But who is Vesti and why have Mercedes given him the nod over seven-time champion Hamilton?

Who is Frederik Vesti?

Born on January 13, 2002, Frederik Vesti is currently competing in the FIA Formula 2 Championship with Prema Racing, but he is a member of the Mercedes Junior Team.

The Dane’s love for racing came from age 10 when he competitively started karting before officially starting his career in Danish Formula Ford, finishing fourth in the championship.

Vesti had two respectable F3 campaigns where he finished fourth overall back-to-back which resulted in promotion to F2 during the 2021 calendar year.

However, the Danish driver’s biggest achievement to date came in 2019 when Vesti impressively raced to the Formula Regional European Championship.

Why is Frederik Vesti racing at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2023?

An F1 rule introduced last year requires each team to run a rookie for two practice sessions across the season.

Vesti previously took part during the first Practice in Mexico last month in place of George Russell.

And the Danish driver is second in the F2 standings ahead of the final round at the Yas Marina circuit with a huge opportunity to clinch the championship this weekend.

Vesti will first appear in FP1, though, and told Mercedes’ official website: “Driving in FP1 in Abu Dhabi is another step in my career.

“Getting my first experience of an official session on an F1 weekend in Mexico was a big moment. I learnt so much, and it was great being able to support the team and work with Lewis and George.

“I’m looking forward to building on that experience at Yas Marina. It’s a track I know well and that will no doubt make it easier to get up to speed in the one hour of practice.

“I’m extremely excited to get back behind-the-wheel of the W14 for FP1 and then the post-season test. Once again, I want to say a big thank you to the team for giving me this opportunity.”

When is the F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2023?

• The F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will take place on Sunday, November 26.
• It is scheduled to get underway at 1pm GMT – 5pm local time.
• Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi is the allocated track for this final event and it can host approximately 60,000 spectators.
• Max Verstappen finished in pole position during the 2022 edition.