LEWIS HAMILTON’S replacement for first practice at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has been named. Mercedes have confirmed that Frederik Vesti will take his place in the driving seat. With the Abu Dhabi race weekend serving as the season finale, a host of young drivers are set to appear, with every team yet to fulfil the requirements. Vesti will be amongst those promising starlets after Mercedes confirmed he will drive Hamilton’s car. Vesti will first appear in FP1, though, and told Mercedes’ official website: “Driving in FP1 in Abu Dhabi is another step in my career. It has been a difficult season for Mercedes, who have yet to win a race in 2023.

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