Mercedes forced to drop George Russell for Mexican GP FP1 due to F1 rules

George Russell will not participate in Free Practice One (FP1) at the Mexican Grand Prix this weekend, with Mercedes reserve driver Frederik Vesti set to replace him.

Under current Formula 1 regulations, each team must field a rookie driver in at least four FP1 sessions over the course of a season as part of its commitment to developing young talent.

Vesti has already replaced Kimi Antonelli twice this season, with the Mexican Grand Prix marking the first time he has stood in for Russell in 2026. The Dane will therefore need to replace Russell again during the remaining race weekends if Mercedes is to meet its rookie-driver obligations.

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Mercedes forced to drop George Russell for Mexican GP FP1

Mercedes must give Vesti at least two FP1 outings across the remaining race weekends to meet the quota set by Formula 1.

The regulations require each team to field a rookie in four FP1 sessions over the course of the season, with each regular race driver required to make way twice. As Vesti has already replaced Antonelli twice, he must now take Russell’s place on two occasions to fulfil those requirements.

“This weekend, we’ll have Fred contributing to our development. He’s going to be sitting in George’s car for FP1,” Mercedes deputy technical director Simone Resta said.

“It’s a very important aspect for us because it’s the ideal bridge between our performance on track and our virtual world.

“And his good contributions given to a team, we really appreciate this work from him.”

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Frederik Vesti grateful for rare opportunity

Vesti has been Mercedes’ reserve driver since 2024, having been part of the team’s junior programme since 2021. The 24-year-old made his F1 debut in an FP1 session at the 2023 Mexican Grand Prix, making this weekend a full-circle moment for the Dane.

Vesti took on a more prominent role for the 2026 season after former Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas returned to Formula 1 with Cadillac on a full-time basis.

“I have some good news to share with you,” Vesti said. “On Friday in Mexico City, I’ll be doing FP1 in George’s W17. So, huge thank you to George for letting me drive your car.

“The last time I drove was in Budapest, so a lot has happened on this car since. So I can’t wait to feel W17 once again.

“Thank you to the team for letting me drive; it means a lot. So let’s go do it. See you in Mexico.”

With five race weekends remaining in the F1 season, Vesti could make another FP1 appearance at the São Paulo, Las Vegas, Qatar or Abu Dhabi Grands Prix.

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