Vesti usually works as a simulator driver for Mercedes, helping the team by testing car setups on a virtual version of the car. His work supports full-time drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli during race weekends. In fact, Vesti has done more virtual laps in the 2025 Mercedes than anyone else so far. Now, he’ll finally get the chance to drive it on track.

He’ll take over Russell’s car for the 60-minute FP1 session. However, this session in Bahrain isn’t the most useful for teams, as it takes place during the day, while the rest of the weekend’s sessions, including the race, happen at night, when the conditions are very different.

Formula 1 has a rule in 2025 that says each team must give two practice sessions per each car (total of 4) during the season to young drivers who haven’t  in more than two Grands Prix. Mercedes has already done this with Antonelli in Australia and China, so George Russell will have to sit out one more session in 2025.

Vesti has already had some experience in Formula 1. In 2023, he drove in FP1 at the Mexico City and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix, and he’s also taken part in post-season testing. Outside of F1, he races in the IMSA SportsCar Championship with Cadillac, and he’s set to take part in this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans.