Mercedes could be preparing to lose one of its most promising reserve drivers, with Frederik Vesti increasingly determined to secure a full-time Formula 1 opportunity elsewhere. George Russell has publicly backed the Danish driver to earn a seat with Cadillac for the 2027 season, revealing that Vesti is working hard to make the move happen.
Vesti strengthened his case during Friday’s opening practice session at the Mexico City Grand Prix, finishing an impressive third. His performance was particularly encouraging because he was less than a tenth of a second slower than Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli, demonstrating that he can deliver competitive lap times when given a proper opportunity. Charles Leclerc topped the session, but Vesti’s performance attracted considerable attention within the paddock.
RUSSELL BELIEVES VESTI DESERVES A FORMULA 1 SEAT
Russell was particularly pleased that Mercedes gave Vesti an opportunity to demonstrate his ability rather than simply using him for routine reserve-driver duties.
The British driver explained that Vesti has frequently been given demanding responsibilities during practice appearances without receiving the same opportunities to complete performance-focused running as the regular drivers.
Russell said:
“I know he’s really fighting hard to [earn] the Cadillac seat. I think he deserves his chance. He’s put a lot of effort in working with our team. We all respect him very highly.”
He also revealed that he personally wanted Mercedes to give Vesti a proper opportunity to demonstrate what he could achieve.
“I said to the team [that] I want to ensure that he gets an opportunity to show what he can do. That’s the least that we can do, so we’ll give our best.”
Those comments represent a significant endorsement from a current Mercedes race driver. Vesti has spent years developing within the team’s programme, and Russell clearly believes his reserve role should not prevent him from pursuing a permanent position on the grid.
VESTI CONFIRMS HIS INTEREST IN CADILLAC
Vesti has also made his ambitions clear. Appearing as a guest commentator on Sky Sports during FP2, the Dane openly acknowledged that Cadillac’s potential vacancy is firmly on his radar.
“There’s no doubt I’ve got my eyes on that seat and it would be such a privilege to step into it,” he said.
His comments leave little doubt that he is interested in moving beyond his current Mercedes responsibilities if the opportunity becomes available.
For Vesti, Cadillac could offer something Mercedes currently cannot: a realistic pathway into a full-time Formula 1 race seat. Remaining a reserve driver at a championship-contending team may provide valuable experience, but it does not guarantee the opportunity to compete every weekend.
At this stage of his career, securing a permanent position could be more important than continuing to wait for a possible opening at Mercedes.
CADILLAC’S DRIVER LINE-UP REMAINS UNDER ATTENTION
Cadillac’s potential interest in Vesti comes amid uncertainty surrounding its driver arrangements for 2027. Questions remain over whether Valtteri Bottas will retain his position, creating speculation about possible changes to the American team’s line-up.
However, Cadillac has not confirmed any agreement with Vesti.
A team spokesperson told Motorsport Week that numerous drivers were being linked with the project, reflecting its progress and ambitions. The spokesperson added that the weekend was focused on Sergio Perez’s home race, show run and 300th Grand Prix, before making clear that there was nothing further to announce.
That response keeps the situation open. Cadillac may be considering several candidates, and Vesti’s impressive FP1 performance does not automatically guarantee him the seat.
MERCEDES COULD LOSE A VALUABLE DEVELOPMENT DRIVER
If Vesti secures the Cadillac opportunity, Mercedes will lose a driver who understands its technical environment and has spent considerable time working alongside its engineers.
Reserve drivers play an important role in modern Formula 1. They contribute to simulator development, provide feedback, support race-weekend preparations and remain available when regular drivers cannot compete. Losing someone with Vesti’s experience would therefore require Mercedes to consider its next option.
Nevertheless, the team cannot reasonably expect a talented driver to remain in a reserve position indefinitely. Vesti has ambitions of competing at the highest level, and a rival team’s offer could represent the breakthrough he has been waiting for.
CADILLAC COULD GIVE VESTI THE OPPORTUNITY MERCEDES CANNOT
The potential move also makes sense from Cadillac’s perspective. A new team needs drivers who can contribute to development while helping establish a competitive working environment. Vesti’s experience within Mercedes could be valuable as Cadillac continues building its Formula 1 operation.
His Mexico FP1 performance has provided another reminder of his potential, while Russell’s public support adds weight to his case.
However, Cadillac must ultimately decide whether Vesti is the right choice for its long-term project. The team will need a driver pairing capable of delivering results, developing the car and supporting its ambitions in an increasingly competitive championship.
For now, Vesti appears ready to take the next step. Mercedes has helped shape his development, but the opportunity to become a full-time Formula 1 driver may finally require him to leave the team that brought him this far.
