Mercedes signs F3 racer Frederik Vesti to F1 junior programme

Mercedes has announced the signing of Frederik Vesti to its Formula 1 junior roster ahead of the 2021 season.

The 19-year-old Dane finished fourth in the FIA Formula 3 championship last season with Prema, taking three race wins and a further podium across his rookie year which followed a title-winning Formula Regional European Championship campaign in 2019.

Vesti will remain in FIA F3 for the upcoming 2021 season, but will switch teams from Prema to join ART Grand Prix - the same team fellow Mercedes juniors George Russell and Esteban Ocon raced for.

“I’ve dreamed of being a Mercedes junior and worked so hard for it, for so many years and that motivation has lifted me every single day,” said Vesti.

“To now be working with Mercedes, the best team in the world, is a massive boost for my career and I am really looking forward to building a powerful relationship in the future.

“I admire Mercedes so much for their mentality and their hard-working attitude, which has helped them become so successful.

“They choose their junior drivers very carefully, so I am really excited to be part of the programme, working with them and developing as a driver. Thank you to Toto and the team for their trust in me and my future.”

Pascal Wehrlein, Ocon, and Russell all graduated to F1 while on Mercedes’ junior roster, with current Williams driver Russell acting as its leading protege.

The Briton became Mercedes’ first junior to sample the German manufacturer’s race-winning machinery on a grand prix weekend when he stood in for Lewis Hamilton in Bahrain last year.

“Fred’s commitment and dedication is something we love to see and hugely respect,” added Mercedes driver development advisor Gwen Lagrue.

“I remember him sending me updates on his debut seasons in single seaters and letting us know details of his progress, which is something we always appreciate.

“His Formula Regional European Championship in 2019 was impressive and in FIA F3 last year, he was very consistent. We are happy to welcome him into the Mercedes family and look forward to seeing him fight for the title this season in FIA F3!”