Russell to step aside for Mercedes reserve in Bahrain FP1

Mercedes will run reserve and development driver Frederik Vesti in first practice for this weekend's Bahrain Grand Prix as part of Formula 1's rookie session requirements.

The Danish driver will take over George Russell's car for FP1 at the Bahrain International Circuit, running alongside rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli.

Teams are obliged to run a rookie - classed as a driver with two or fewer F1 race appearances under their belt - in four sessions this term, or two per car - an increase of one run-out per car on previous seasons.

With Antonelli already completing that requirement for his side of the garage, Russell is the one to step aside for Vesti to make his mark.

It will be Vesti's third rookie FP1 session for the team having driven in Mexico and Abu Dhabi in 2023.

'Doing everything I can to help'

"I am really looking forward to getting my first taste of the W16 in FP1 in Bahrain," said Vesti.

"Being able to put all of my simulator work into practice on the track is a really exciting prospect for me. I am grateful to Mercedes for once again giving me this opportunity.

"At the start of the year, I set myself the goal of maximising every chance I get behind the wheel of an F1 car in 2025, and that is what I hope to achieve in Bahrain.

"I will be doing everything I can to help the team, George and Kimi get set for the rest of the weekend."

Russell will return to the cockpit for FP2 to prepare for the weekend ahead, with the Briton still to stand aside one more time this campaign to fulfil the regulations.

Vesti will be able to take his time on track back to the Mercedes simulator to help enhance data correlation.