Lewis Hamilton’s replacement announced, Mercedes star will miss Abu Dhabi GP session.
Mercedes announces replacement, Lewis Hamilton will miss Abu Dhabi GP session Mercedes announces Lewis Hamilton will not take part in free practice The race was held at the Abu Dhabi circuit, which allowed Silver Arrows development driver Frédéric Vesty to take his place in the cockpit.
In the final race of the season, Mercedes had to miss Hamilton in the United Arab Emirates to help one of their younger drivers.
The Brit finished third in the Drivers’ Championship behind Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez and will hand over the reins of the W14 to Besty at the Yas Marina circuit on Friday.
The 21-year-old Dane also competed in last year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and was in action a few weeks ago when he took over from George Russell at the Mexico City Grand Prix.
“Driving the in FP1 in Abu Dhabi is a new step in my career,” said Besty.
“It was a great moment to experience my first official session at the F1 weekend in Mexico.
I learned so much and it was great to support the team and work with Lewis and George.
I’m looking forward to building on this experience further at Yas Marina.
” This is a route I know well and no doubt it will be easier for him to get up to speed with an hour of practice.
I’m really looking forward to getting behind the wheel of the W14 in FP1 and then postseason testing.
I would like to once again thank the team for giving me this opportunity.
Vesti currently sits in second place in the F2 championship and is fighting for the title with one race remaining.
He will replace Hamilton in FP duties.
Mercedes Trackside Technical Manager Andrew Shovlin added: “We’re looking forward to getting him back in the car for Abu Dhabi.
It’s going to be a busy weekend for Fred given his F2 commitments, but this weekend will bring it to the maximum.
” As part of F1’s junior program, each team is required to field drivers who complete fewer than two Grand Prix races.
Once confirmed, Vesti was given a c
hance.
