Vesti, Drugovich and Browning to drive in FP1 in Bahrain

Mercedes’ Fred Vesti, Aston Martin’s Felipe Drugovich and Williams’ Luke Browning will drive in Free Practice 1 (FP1) at the Bahrain Grand Prix, replacing George Russell, Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz.

The trio will get behind the wheel as part of the rules that state every driver on the grid must vacate their seat for a rookie for two FP1 sessions in a season.

A rookie is classed as a driver who has started two or fewer Grands Prix, with Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli technically already fulfilling this requirement for the season having completed his two sessions for 2025 in Australia and China.

Vesti – the runner-up in the 2023 F2 Championship – will be making his third FP1 appearance, having previously driven for the Silver Arrows in Mexico and Abu Dhabi back in 2023.

MONACO, MONACO - DECEMBER 10: Frederik Vesti of Denmark and PREMA Racing celebrates with the 2023 — Vesti was runner-up in the 2023 F2 Championship

As part of his role as Test and Reserve Driver, Vesti has spent the first part of this year working in the simulator at Mercedes’ base in Brackley, combining his role with his first season in endurance racing in the United States, where he is competing in IMSA with Cadillac.

“I am really looking forward to getting my first taste of the W16 in FP1 in Bahrain,» Vesti said. “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’s Test and Reserve Driver Drugovich – the 2022 F2 Champion – will also embark on his latest session in F1 at a track he knows well, having previously stood in for an injured Lance Stroll during 2023 pre-season testing at the same venue.

ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - DECEMBER 10: Felipe Drugovich, Aston Martin F1 Team during — Drugovich drove in the 2024 end-of-season test for Aston Martin

The 24-year-old Brazilian has also taken part in three end-of-season tests for Aston Martin previously, as well as five FP1 sessions at race weekends.

«I’m very happy to be getting out in the F1 car again, especially so early in the season,» he said. «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, Aston Martin’s CEO and Team Principal, said: «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 AMR Technology Campus 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.»

Meanwhile, Williams Racing Academy Driver Browning, who is currently in his first full F2 season with Hitech GP, will make his second FP1 appearance after turning out for the Grove-based outfit in the first practice session over the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend.

BARCELONA, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 25: Luke Browning of Great Britain and Hitech TGR (7) looks on in the — Luke Browning will take over Carlos Sainz’s Williams in Fp1 in Bahrain

The 23-year-old Briton said: “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 [Vowles], Sven [Smeets] 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, Williams’ Sporting Director, added: “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.”

Earlier this week it was also confirmed that Ryo Hirakawa would drive in FP1 in Bahrain for Haas, taking over Ollie Bearman’s VF-25 machine.