Frederik Vesti turned a one-hour practice in Mexico City into a pitch for a full-time job. The Mercedes reserve driver took over George Russell’s car for first practice at the Mexican Grand Prix on Friday and finished third, 0.074 seconds behind Kimi Antonelli. He was the quickest of the 10 rookies on track.
The 24-year-old Danish driver made his target clear after the session. “There are discussions about a seat, and I’ve got my eyes on that seat. I believe I would be very, very good in that car, and to be in Formula 1 has been my goal ever since I started driving.”
Valtteri Bottas has said publicly that he feels calm about his situation, yet Cadillac’s management hasn’t ruled out a change before 2027. That leaves the door open, and Vesti put his foot in the door with the fastest lap any rookie managed in Mexico.
How Frederik Vesti Made His Case in Mexico City
Charles Leclerc set the pace with a 1:18.128 lap in his Ferrari, while Vesti’s 1:18.861 put him third. Vesti completed 24 laps and finished his full programme, including a soft-tyre run that produced his best lap. In a post-session interview, he said “seeing P3 on the timing screens made me extremely happy.”
Mercedes deputy team principal Bradley Lord liked what he saw. He called it Vesti’s “most convincing FP1 so far.” Lord also noted that Vesti’s regular racing away from Formula 1 is proof he can step in and race at any point.
Vesti earned his FIA Super Licence as the 2023 Formula 2 runner-up, and PlanetF1 reported that his practice outings for Mercedes keep it valid. That matters, because any team wanting him would not have to wait on paperwork.
Where Frederik Vesti Stands in Cadillac’s Driver Hunt
Thomas Maher of PlanetF1 reported that Vesti is on Cadillac’s shortlist behind American Colton Herta, who leads thanks to his long ties with General Motors and Cadillac F1 CEO Dan Towriss.
Bottas remains the team’s preferred option, including teammate Sergio Perez, but General Motors reportedly favors giving Herta a chance. Perez has already signed a contract extension through 2029.
If Cadillac drops Bottas and passes on Herta, PlanetF1 understands Vesti becomes the lead contender, with Mercedes backing his push. Cadillac team boss Marcin Budkowski gave little away when Sky Sports F1 asked about an American driver. He told the broadcaster the decision is “a question of timing,” as PlanetF1 reported.
Vesti already has deep Cadillac roots. He has won three times and finished on the podium three other times for Whelen Cadillac Racing in IMSA over the past two seasons. Cadillac announced on October 15 that he will step up to a full IMSA season in 2027.
Herta’s path is less tidy. Express reported that the FIA found a discrepancy in his Super Licence points from last year’s IndyCar season, leaving him one point short even though Cadillac believed Mexico would settle it.
Before Friday, Vesti had no obvious path to an F1 race seat, and he sounds ready to push. “I’m more motivated than ever; I’m extremely hungry to be on the grid,” he said.
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