Frederick Vesti, Felipe Drugovich and Luke Browning join the FP1 runners list to fulfill rookie demands for this weekend’s F1 Bahrain GP.
Mercedes –
Test and Reserve Driver Fred Vesti will get behind the wheel of W16 in FP1 at this weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix. The Dane will replace George for the session in Sakhir, in line with F1 regulations which state every driver on the grid must vacate their seat for a rookie for two FP1 sessions in a season.
This will be Fred’s third rookie session, having previously driven for the team in FP1 in Mexico and Abu Dhabi in 2023. A rookie is classed as a driver who has started two or fewer Grands Prix. As such, Kimi has already completed his two sessions for 2025, in Australia and China.
The weekend will give Fred the chance to put his expertise in the simulator to the test on the track, having spent the first part of the year hard at work with the team in Brackley. He is combining this role with his first season with endurance racing in the United States, where he is competing in IMSA with Cadillac.
Fred 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.
“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. I am grateful to Mercedes for once again giving me this opportunity.”
Aston Martin –
Felipe Drugovich, Test and Reserve Driver for the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team, will step into the cockpit of Fernando Alonso’s AMR25 for the opening practice session at this weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix. The Brazilian driver will take to the track for the 60-minute session, collecting crucial data and insights to support the team’s race weekend preparations and providing Felipe with valuable track time.
The session will contribute to Felipe’s total mileage in Formula One machinery, which currently exceeds 9,100 km. Felipe is well-acquainted with the 5.412 km circuit, having previously stood in for an injured Lance Stroll during 2023 pre-season testing at the same venue.
Felipe Drugovich, Test & Reserve Driver, Aston Martin Aramco said: “I’m very happy to be getting out in the F1 car again, especially so early in the season. I’ve been preparing on the simulator to get a feel for the car, and Bahrain is a track I know well and really enjoy driving. I’m excited to contribute and give the team the data they need to perform at their best this weekend. Thanks to the whole team for their continued support.”
Andy Cowell, CEO & Team Principal, Aston Martin Aramco added: “We’re pleased to offer Felipe this opportunity to drive the AMR25 in Bahrain. He has been an integral part of our team’s simulator programme at the AMRTC and consistently provides valuable and insightful feedback that helps drive the development of the car. Felipe is a trusted pair of hands, and we’re confident he’ll do a great job in FP1 and contribute to our preparations for the race weekend.”
Williams –
Atlassian Williams Racing is pleased to announce that Williams Racing Academy Driver Luke Browning will take part in the first Free Practice Session at the 2025 Bahrain Grand Prix, fulfilling one of four mandated rookie driver sessions this year. Luke is currently racing in his first full season in the FIA Formula 2 Championship with Hitech GP, where he has had a strong start to the year, stepping on the podium in the Sprint Race in Australia and leaving the opening round third in the standings.
This follows Luke’s impressive debut in the series in Baku last year, where he graduated from FIA Formula 3 for the final three rounds of the 2024 season, scoring points in two races. He also took part in Free Practice 1 at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix shortly afterwards, experiencing an F1 car during a race weekend for the very first time.
As part of his preparations for FP1 in Bahrain, Luke participated in the TPC (Testing of Previous Cars) programme in Monza last weekend, driving the FW45 alongside new Academy recruit Victor Martins. Luke’s participation in the FP1 session is part of the Williams Racing Driver Academy’s proud tradition of giving young talent a path into F1 – most recently demonstrated by Academy alumnus Franco Colapinto’s graduation into an F1 race seat. The Driver Academy supports drivers on every rung of the motorsport ladder, working with them on and off the track to develop the skills necessary to race at the top level.
Luke Browning: “Being given another opportunity to drive in a Free Practice session with Williams is a dream come true, and I’m getting more and more confidence each time I drive the car. My main aim for FP1 is to get more comfortable with the procedures and environment that come with Formula 1, and to build on my experience from Abu Dhabi last December.
“I’m excited to feel the progression from the FW46 to the FW47 and I feel incredibly grateful to James, Sven and the team at Grove for entrusting me with the car. A lot of preparation has gone into this weekend, so thank you to everyone in the Driver Academy for supporting my development so far.”
Sven Smeets, Sporting Director, Williams Racing: “Luke has made strong progress since his first Formula 2 weekend last year and scored good points in the opening race of the season in Australia. His previous FP1 experience, participation in our TPC programme, and simulator work have prepared him well for this weekend and we look forward to seeing him take this next step forward in his development.”
Here’s news on Dino Beganovic getting FP1 drive
[The story is as per press release]
