Lewis Hamilton will be replaced by Frederik Vesti in the first practice session of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, according to Mercedes.
The choice is in accordance with a regulation that was implemented the previous season and requires every team to use a rookie in two practice sessions during the season.
Considering that this is the season finale, several young people will be on the track in Abu Dhabi.
Hamilton will sit out the practice session following a rule introduction that teams must run rookies in in two practice sessions across the season
Last month, Vesti, 21, competed in Formula One (FP1) in Mexico instead of George Russell, Hamilton’s Mercedes teammate.
Vesti stated, “Driving in Formula One in Abu Dhabi is another step in my career,” in a statement to the Mercedes website. It was a significant event for me to attend my first official session over an F1 weekend in Mexico.
‘I learnt so much, and it was great being able to support the team and work with Lewis and George. I’m looking forward to building on that experience at Yas Marina.
‘It’s a track I know well and that will no doubt make it easier to get up to speed in the one hour of practice.
‘I’m extremely excited to get back behind-the-wheel of the W14 for FP1 and then the post-season test. Once again, I want to say a big thank you to the team for giving me this opportunity.’
After a successful season, the 21-year-old is presently ranked second in the Formula 2 standings while competing for Prema Racing.
Before the 2023 final round, the Danish driver has already claimed five wins and three additional podium places this season.
Even though Red Bull has long since secured the championship, Mercedes still has a lot of work to do before the season’s last race.
Mercedes and Ferrari are currently tied for second place in the constructors’ standings with just four points separating them.
In the drivers’ standings, Hamilton and Russell are presently ranked third and ninth, respectively.
