Danish driver Frederik Vesti's dream of a permanent seat in Formula 1 is not necessarily completely extinguished. The 23-year-old driver has contacts with several teams, he says.
23-year-old Frederik Vesti continues his F1 hunt. He drives for Mercedes in simulator and training, as well as IMSA for Cadillac, while manager Dorte Riis Madsen is seeking an F1 seat.
Frederik Vesti keeps the F1 dream alive at Mercedes despite the pressure. The 23-year-old Dane is working intensively in several camps. He has an important role at the Mercedes F1 team.
At the same time, he drives races in the USA for Cadillac. This happens in the big IMSA class. The combination keeps him sharp for the top class of motorsport.
Working for Mercedes is central to Vesti. He spends many hours in the team's simulator, which takes place at the factory in Brackley.
Team principal Toto Wolff stresses Vesti's value. "Through his work in the simulator, Fred has more kilometres in the W16 than any of our other drivers," says Wolff. Vesti is important to the car's development.
This applies to both lob support and preparations for 2026. New technical regulations will come into effect in Formula 1 that year. Mercedes is counting on Vesti's input.
Simulator work and F1 focus at Mercedes
The road to a permanent Formula 1 seat is difficult, however. The competition is extremely tough. Many talented drivers are fighting for a few places.
Drivers like Felipe Drugovich and Théo Pourchaire were also passed over. This happened up until the 2025 season despite good Formula 2 results. This shows the scale of the challenge.
For Vesti, a place at Mercedes was difficult. The team chose to bet on Kimi Antonelli. He was promoted directly as the team's great talent.
Therefore, Vesti and his backroom team have to look to other F1 teams. It can be difficult when you are affiliated with a specific junior program. Loyalty and contracts come into play.
But Vesti doesn't give up.
– When we know that there are team bosses with a direct interest in me, it would be a mistake not to give it 100 percent towards Formula 1,
Vesti's manager Dorte Riis Madsen is also working hard to find a seat for the fast Dane.
Manager Dorte Riis Madsen is chasing F1 opportunities
Manager Dorte Riis Madsen focuses on Formula 1. Vesti estimates that she spends 95 percent of her time on that goal. She also keeps in touch with several 'relevant people', she says.
"Already this year I have had discussions with Formula 1 team managers, so it's not because there is no interest. That's also why we are continuing," explains Vesti.
Side racing keeps Vesti active on the track. He drives six races in the USA for Cadillac Racing. It takes place in a potent LMDh race car.
The experience from IMSA is valuable. Cadillac and parent company General Motors will enter Formula 1 in 2026. This could potentially open new doors for Vesti.
Vesti will also continue his duties at Mercedes. He is a reserve driver and participates in official F1 training, such as when he drove George Russell's car in Bahrain. Simulator work on the 2026 car will also continue.
"It will be a bit of everything and depends on what is needed in the weeks I am off. But I expect to get the majority of race support," Vesti explains of his Mercedes role.
He knows that opportunities can arise suddenly in Formula 1. Timing and luck are often important factors, so he has to be ready.
– There are a lot of rookies coming in, and there is no guarantee that they will all perform. That is why it is important that I continue my development, says Vesti.
Frederik Vesti's path to Formula 1 is full of challenges and hard work. At Boosted.dk you can read more about Danes in international motorsport and follow the developments in Formula 1.
We also cover news about Mercedes, Cadillac and other relevant actors in the world of motorsport. Read about a Formula 1 team that already owes billions here .
