DENFrederik Vesti: Mercedes-Backed Talent on the Brink of Formula 1
Frederik Vesti is a talented Danish racing driver whose performances in the junior single-seater ranks have marked him as a strong contender for a future seat in Formula 1. Born on January 13, 2002, in Vejle, Denmark, Vesti is part of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team's junior program and has steadily climbed the motorsport ladder with a combination of speed, intelligence, and resilience. As of 2024, he competes in the FIA Formula 2 Championship with Prema Racing and continues to push for a breakthrough into Formula 1.
Vesti’s racing journey began in karting at a young age before transitioning into car racing with impressive results. He rose to prominence in 2019 when he won the Formula Regional European Championship in dominant fashion, claiming 13 victories and 20 podiums in 24 races. This championship-winning campaign cemented his status as one of the most promising young drivers in Europe and attracted the attention of top F1 junior programs.
In 2020, Vesti joined the Mercedes Junior Team and made the step up to FIA Formula 3 with Prema. Over the next two seasons, he developed a reputation for consistency and strong racecraft, finishing fourth overall in 2021. His performances earned him a promotion to Formula 2 in 2022, where he continued to demonstrate his ability to adapt and compete at the highest level of junior motorsport.
In 2023, Vesti had a standout year in Formula 2, winning multiple races and emerging as a serious title contender. His pace in both qualifying and races showed his growth as a driver capable of managing tires, executing strategies, and performing under pressure. He narrowly missed out on the championship, but his campaign further solidified his reputation as an F1-ready talent.
Frederik’s connection to Mercedes has been a key part of his development. He has participated in Formula 1 test sessions and simulator work for the team, earning valuable experience behind the scenes. In 2023, he made his F1 weekend debut during Free Practice 1 sessions with Mercedes, gaining real-world track time and further demonstrating his potential to the F1 paddock.
Vesti is known for his smooth, controlled driving style, strong technical feedback, and calm mindset during races. His ability to stay composed and focused makes him a reliable presence on the grid, and his continuous progression through the ranks highlights his work ethic and determination to reach the top.
Off the track, Vesti is humble and disciplined, often crediting his team and support network for his success. He represents Denmark with pride and is part of a new wave of Scandinavian talent looking to make a mark on the global motorsport stage.
In conclusion, Frederik Vesti stands as one of the most polished and prepared drivers outside of Formula 1. With his strong junior record, Mercedes backing, and growing experience in F2 and F1 machinery, he is firmly on the waiting list for a future Formula 1 seat. As teams look toward the next generation, Vesti’s combination of talent, experience, and professionalism makes him a likely candidate to join the F1 grid in the near future.