Mercedes F1 junior Frederik Vesti has graduated to FIA Formula 2 (F2) Championship for the 2022 season, completing the ART Grand Prix line-up.

Having raced in F3 for the last two seasons, Vesti will graduate to F2 in 2022 with ART GP alongside the already confirmed Theo Pourchaire to complete its line-up. The Danish driver stays with the French outfit with whom he tested in Abu Dhabi too.

“To sign my FIA Formula 2 contract with ART Grand Prix is a big thing for me,” said Vesti. “We worked incredibly hard in F3 last season and to continue the progress into Formula 2 together is important for my next step.

“Now it is crucial to understand all the small details of Formula 2 to achieve the maximum in 2022. Testing in Abu Dhabi went really well, and I learned a lot of new things. I can’t wait to be in the car for the first test in Bahrain! I want to thank ART Grand Prix for this great opportunity and for believing in me.”

At the same time, ART GP Team Principal Sebastien Philippe added: “The first year of the partnership was fruitful for both sides with several podiums and a win that saw Fred end the year in 4th place with a total of 17 top 10s in 20 races.

“Some details kept him from fighting for the title, but we know he has what it takes to do so. After two years of F3, the logical continuation of our collaboration goes through F2. The offseason testing has met our expectations and in 2022 we will aim to fight at the forefront.”

2022 F2 line-up so far:

UNI-Virtuosi Racing: Jack Doohan, Marino Sato

MP Motorsport: Clement Novalak, Felipe Drugovich

Campos Racing: Ralph Boschung

Carlin: Logan Sargeant, Liam Lawson

DAMS: Roy Nissany, Ayumu Iwasa

ART GP: Theo Pourchaire, Frederik Vesti

Charouz Racing System: Cem Bolukbasi

Trident: Calan Williams

Prema: Jehan Daruvala, Dennis Hauger

Hitech GP: Juri Vips, Marcus Armstrong

Van Amersfoort Racing: Jake Hughes, Amaury Cordeel