Fred Vesti, the third team driver of Formula 1 for Mercedes, has announced that he has completed approximately 1000 laps in the simulator during the five-week break before the Miami Grand Prix. This unexpected break between the races in Japan and Miami allowed the team to review and optimize the technology before resuming competition.
Vesti shared his experience during the simulator marathon on the radio show Mercedes Nu Silver Arrows. He expressed his surprise at the growth of the Miami GP, which attracted a large number of fans, and described the race as one of the best of the season in terms of competitiveness and strategy.
Regarding his preparation, Vesti said: “I think I came close to a thousand laps before Miami. And then, immediately I returned to Brackley to continue with the simulator sessions”.
Additionally, while several teams brought upgrades to the Miami GP, Mercedes expects to implement its updates in the Canadian Grand Prix at the end of May. The team has started the 2026 season with notable superiority, winning all races so far, with George Russell and Kimi Antonelli standing out as key drivers in their victories.
With only a 20-point margin over Russell after his victory in Miami, Antonelli thus becomes the youngest driver to lead the championship this season. The competition is expected to be intense leading up to the next grand prix at the Gilles Villeneuve Circuit, which will take place from May 22 to 24.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
