Mercedes-AMG F1 has confirmed that third driver Fred Vesti will make his first outing in the W17 car during Free Practice 1 at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, replacing Kimi Antonelli for the session.
The announcement comes as the team shifts focus from its recent success at the Monaco Grand Prix to one of the most demanding all-around circuits on the Formula 1 calendar. Vesti, who holds the role of third driver for the Brackley-based squad, will get his first taste of the 2026 machinery at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
Antonelli heads to Spain looking to “add to his impressive list of achievements in 2026,” according to the team, following a strong run of form this season. Teammate George Russell, meanwhile, will aim to “bounce back from a disappointing Monaco GP,” as Mercedes described his most recent weekend. The Barcelona race carries added significance for Russell, who will mark his 100th Grand Prix start with Mercedes.
Barcelona has long served as a benchmark circuit for Formula 1 teams due to its varied layout of high-speed corners, low-speed chicanes, and long straights. Team principal Toto Wolff acknowledged the challenge in the team’s official preview, noting that “Barcelona is a real test of a car.”
Vesti’s FP1 appearance fulfills the regulatory requirement for teams to run young or reserve drivers during select practice sessions throughout the season. The Danish driver will hand the car back to Antonelli for the remainder of the weekend.
The session will provide Mercedes with valuable data on the W17’s performance through a different driver’s feedback, while giving Vesti crucial seat time in current-specification machinery as he continues his development within the team’s driver program.
Russell’s century of races with Mercedes represents a significant milestone for the British driver, who joined the team as a full-time race driver and has established himself as a consistent points scorer and race winner during his tenure at the Silver Arrows.