Mercedes Shakeup: George Russell Benched for FP1 at Bahrain Grand Prix
In a surprising move, Mercedes has announced that star driver George Russell will be absent from the track for Friday’s FP1 session at the upcoming Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix. The British racer will be making way for the team’s test and reserve driver, Frederik Vesti, as part of the F1 regulations requiring every driver to give up their seat to a rookie for two sessions in 2025. This will mark Vesti’s third appearance in an F1 session, following stints in Mexico and Abu Dhabi practice back in 2023.
In a statement released on the Mercedes website, the 23-year-old Vesti expressed his excitement for the opportunity, stating, “I am really looking forward to getting my first taste of the W16 in FP1 in Bahrain.” He also emphasized his commitment to maximizing every chance behind the wheel of an F1 car this year and helping the team and his fellow drivers prepare for the race weekend.
The unexpected substitution comes as Mercedes aims to uphold their positive momentum in the F1 championship. Despite the departure of longtime champion Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari, the team has shown strong performance at the start of the season. With rookie Kimi Antonelli seamlessly filling Hamilton’s shoes and contributing points consistently, and Russell delivering solid results, Mercedes has emerged as a formidable contender in the constructors’ title race, currently sitting in second place ahead of powerhouse teams like Red Bull and Ferrari.
The team’s success has not gone unnoticed, with fans eagerly anticipating how the Mercedes duo will fare in the upcoming races. Will Vesti’s temporary presence on the track bring new insights and strategies for the team? Can Russell and Antonelli maintain their impressive form and challenge for the championship title? All eyes will be on the Mercedes camp as the Bahrain Grand Prix approaches, promising excitement and intrigue for F1 enthusiasts worldwide.