Mercedes confirm Formula 2 driver as Lewis Hamilton’s replacement for the Abu Dhabi practice, with British legend set to sit out session as part of law introduced last year

Mercedes has confirmed that Frederik Vesti will replace Lewis Hamilton in the first practice session for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The decision stems from a rule introduced last year that requires each team to run a rookie in two practice sessions during the season.

With that in mind, there will be a number of youngsters appearing on the Abu Dhabi circuit as it is the season finale.

Vesti, 21, previously competed in the FP1 in Mexico last month in place of Hamilton’s Mercedes teammate George Russell.

Vesti told the Mercedes website: ‘Driving in FP1 in Abu Dhabi is a new step in my career. Having my first experience of an official session during an F1 weekend in Mexico was a big moment.

“I learned so much and it was great to be able to support the team and work with Lewis and George. I look forward to building on that experience at Yas Marina.

‘It is a circuit that I know well and that will undoubtedly make it easier to get up to speed during the hour of practice.

“I’m extremely excited to get behind the wheel of the W14 again for FP1 and then the post-season test. I would like to thank the team again for giving me this opportunity.’

The 21-year-old competed for Prema Racing in Formula 2 this season and is currently second in the standings after a strong year.

The Danish driver has taken five wins and three other podium finishes so far this season ahead of the final round of 2023.

Heading into the final event of the F1 season, there is still a lot to win for Mercedes, despite Red Bull having won the title a long time ago.

There are currently only four points difference between Mercedes and Ferrari in the battle for P2 in the constructors’ standings.

Hamilton and Russell are currently third and eighth respectively in the drivers’ standings.