Mercedes reserve enters Cadillac F1 seat battle with Valtteri Bottas
PlanetF1 • • sports
Key Points:
- Mercedes reserve driver Frederik Vesti is a contender for the potentially vacant Cadillac F1 seat if the team decides to part ways with Valtteri Bottas, joining American driver Colton Herta on the shortlist.
- Vesti’s experience with Whelen Cadillac Racing in IMSA and his strong performance in FP1 at the Mexico City Grand Prix, where he placed third, bolster his candidacy, alongside his technical feedback skills and existing ties to Mercedes.
- Colton Herta remains the leading contender due to his long-standing relationship with General Motors and Cadillac F1 CEO Dan Towriss, despite his underwhelming Formula 2 results and lack of FIA Super Licence points before recent FP1 sessions.
- General Motors favors giving Herta a chance to race for Cadillac, while Bottas is still preferred by the F1 team and teammate Sergio Perez; if Herta is not selected, Vesti is considered the next best option with Mercedes support.
- Cadillac team principal Marcin Budkowski emphasized the importance of building an American identity with Herta’s involvement, noting ongoing assessments and potential for more FP1 sessions to prepare him for a future race seat.
