Vesti for Russell in Bahrain FP1 as Mercedes seek Quali pace

Team Principal Toto Wolff believes Bahrain will offer another key benchmark for the W16’s development, as the Brackley-based team continue to search for performance gains in a tightly packed midfield.

Reflecting on the weekend at Suzuka, Wolff said: “Japan was a case of what could have been. We showed good pace throughout practice but failed to translate that into our qualifying performance. That hurt our chances of claiming a strong result on Sunday. Suzuka is a difficult circuit to overtake at and, with the race being a comfortable one-stop, there were limited opportunities to move forward.”

Despite the missed opportunity, Wolff remains confident in the W16’s core strengths: “There are positives we can take from the weekend though. The car once again showed potential and, if we had executed more cleanly, a podium was a possibility.”

Looking ahead to Bahrain, Wolff added: “Bahrain will be another test of the progress we have made with this year's car. It is a rear-limited circuit, an abrasive surface, and typically we see hot track temperatures. That makes it tough on the tyres and is the type of track we struggled at last year.”

Mercedes Reserve Driver Frederik Vesti will step in for George Russell during Free Practice 1, fulfilling the first of two mandated rookie sessions this season. It will mark the Danish driver’s third FP1 appearance, following outings in Mexico and Abu Dhabi last year.

Wolff announced: “Contributing to our weekend will be our Reserve Driver, Fred Vesti. Through his work in the simulator, Fred has driven more miles in the W16 than any of our other drivers. He has played an important role in its ongoing development and performance with his work in Brackley. This is another good opportunity for him to do that but this time on the race track.”

Vesti, who is aiming to make the most of every opportunity this year, said: “I am really looking forward to getting my first taste of the W16 in FP1 in Bahrain. 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," added Vesti.

The Bahrain International Circuit, constructed in just 496 days and located on a former camel farm, is now a staple of the Formula 1 calendar. The 5.4km layout is rear-limited and demanding on tyres, with setup focusing on low and medium-speed corner performance.

Adjustments for 2025 include extended gravel at Turn 4, relocated U-drains, and resurfacing at key sections.

Mercedes have a strong history at the venue, including six Grand Prix victories and their modern-era works team debut here in 2010. Russell made his team debut at the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix, while the race lap record—1:31.447—was set by Pedro de la Rosa in a McLaren powered by a Mercedes engine in 2005.