System 1 | Save for Mercedes F1 and McLaren, Vesti is positioning itself in the market

The promising young driver still hopes his big chance to prove himself in Formula 1 is just around the corner.

After years of waiting for his own chance, Formula 2 champion Théo Pourchaire turned his attention to the Japanese Super Formula series this year – while also getting his first Indycar opportunities. F1 seems to be moving gradually for the Frenchman.

But last year’s F2 runner-up, Frederik Vesti, who signed this year for the European Le Mans Series in the LMP2 category, is looking to arrive in F1 more than ever.

The 22-year-old Dane, who is set to replace Logan Sargeant at Williams this year, remains backed by Mercedes, Williams’ engine partner.

“There are about 15 drivers who are out of contract in F1 in 2025, so I will be there knocking on the doors of all the teams.

So, he means in the Formula 1 pad, as a regular on-site reserve driver for the Mercedes F1 team. And as part of that deal, he could also find himself on the grid behind the wheel of a McLaren this season.

“As part of the agreement that Mercedes have with McLaren, I can also be a reserve driver for them.”

“So if one of their drivers gets sick or something, McLaren also has the option to put me in the car.”

Vesti said that if McLaren called him it would not be too difficult for him to follow the procedures.

“I know the Mercedes engine very well. I know how to manage it. And I know how to use the steering wheel and all the buttons.”

“It makes it easier to be a reserve driver for another team that has a Mercedes engine.”