Formula 1 Bahrain GP

Mercedes, Ferrari, Aston enter rookies in Bahrain GP FP1

No fewer than five teams are running rookies at Sakhir on Friday

Ben Vinel

Edited: Apr 8, 2025, 1:22 PM

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Frederik Vesti, Mercedes-AMG

Five rookie drivers will take part in Free Practice 1 at Formula 1’s Bahrain Grand Prix, with Frederik Vesti driving George Russell’s Mercedes W16.

A Formula Regional European champion in 2019 and Formula 2 runner-up in 2023, Vesti has been on Mercedes’ books since 2021, currently acting as the team’s reserve driver alongside Valtteri Bottas – on top of his racing commitments in the IMSA SportsCar Championship with Cadillac.

F1 regulations state that teams must run rookies – drivers who have competed in two grands prix at most – twice in each of their cars over the 2025 season’s grand prix weekends.

Debutant Andrea Kimi Antonelli has already fulfilled this requirement in Melbourne and Shanghai on his side of the garage, and Vesti is set to do likewise with, at first, his Bahrain appearance.

“I am really looking forward to getting my first taste of the W16 in FP1 in Bahrain,” the 23-year-old Dane said. “Being able to put all of my simulator work into practice on the track is a really exciting prospect for me.

“At the start of the year, I set myself the goal of maximising every chance I get behind the wheel of an F1 car in 2025, and that is what I hope to achieve in Bahrain. I will be doing everything I can to help the team, George, and Kimi get set for the rest of the weekend.

“I am grateful to Mercedes for once again giving me this opportunity.”

Similar rules previously allowed Vesti to drive Mercedes’ W14 car in FP1 at the Mexico City and Abu Dhabi grands prix in 2023, while last year the required sessions had been given to incoming racer Antonelli.

Felipe Drugovich, Aston Martin F1 Team in the garage

Photo by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images

Meanwhile, Aston Martin reserve driver Felipe Drugovich will partake in his sixth FP1 outing with the Silverstone-based outfit, taking over Fernando Alonso’s car.

Aston Martin reports that Drugovich’s total F1 mileage “currently exceeds 9,100km”, with the 2022 F2 champion having previous knowledge of the Bahrain track through nine races in F1’s feeder series – including one victory – as well as standing in for Lance Stroll during F1’s 2023 pre-season testing.

“We're pleased to offer Felipe this opportunity to drive the AMR25 in Bahrain,” CEO and team principal Andy Cowell said. “He has been an integral part of our team's simulator programme at the AMR Technological Campus and consistently provides valuable and insightful feedback that helps drive the development of the car.

“Felipe is a trusted pair of hands, and we're confident he’ll do a great job in FP1 and contribute to our preparations for the race weekend.”

At Williams, Luke Browning will build on a Monza test completed last weekend with the FW45 car from the 2023 season, as he takes to the track in FP1. The Macau Grand Prix winner, who took a podium in the inaugural race of the F2 season at Albert Park, will be entrusted with Carlos Sainz’s car.

Luke Browning, Williams FW46

Photo by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Images

“Being given another opportunity to drive in a Free Practice session with Williams is a dream come true, and I'm getting more and more confidence each time I drive the car,” commented the 23-year-old Briton, who also partook in the Yas Marina FP1 session and young driver test at the end of last season.

“My main aim for FP1 is to get more comfortable with the procedures and environment that come with Formula 1, and to build on my experience from Abu Dhabi last December. I’m excited to feel the progression from the FW46 to the FW47.”

Williams sporting director Sven Smeets added: “Luke has made strong progress since his first Formula 2 weekend last year and scored good points in the opening race of the season in Australia.

“His previous FP1 experience, participation in our TPC programme, and simulator work have prepared him well for this weekend and we look forward to seeing him take this next step forward in his development.”

At least two other rookies will take part in FP1 at Sakhir, with Ferrari protege Dino Beganovic driving Charles Leclerc's SF-25 machinery, while Oliver Bearman will cede his Haas car to Ryo Hirakawa following the latter's recent switch from Alpine.

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