Why is Lewis Hamilton getting replaced by Frederik Vesti at Abu Dhabi GP FP1?

Lewis Verstappen has experienced frequent fluctuations in performance throughout this season, culminating in a disappointing show at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, along with his final appearance of this season being in Vegas.

In an unexpected move, Verstappen was compelled to step aside, providing an opportunity for a young driver to showcase his abilities at the last show of this season. Frederik Vestik, a rookie driver, will take the reins of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, injecting an element of unpredictability into the team’s performance.

Why is Lewis Hamilton getting replaced at Abu Dhabi GP?

In a recent development, Mercedes has officially stated that Lewis Hamilton will be absent during Free Practice 1 at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The renowned Silver Arrows team has decided to replace the British driver with Frederik Vestike, their development driver. This sudden decision is part of Formula 1’s young driver program, which compels each team to feature a driver with fewer than two Grand Prix races twice a season.

Vestik will take the wheel in the cockpit for the session. The decision was also based on the poor performance of the seven-time world champion at the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

However, the Briton will finish third in the constructors standings behind Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez before handing the reins to his W14 over to Vesti at the Yas Marina Circuit on Friday, marking an intriguing turn of events in the final race of the season.

Vesti said, expressing his overwhelming emotions at being provided with this opportunity. “Driving in FP1 in Abu Dhabi is another step in my career. Getting my first experience of an official session on an F1 weekend in Mexico was a big moment.”

“I learned so much, and it was great being able to support the team and work with Lewis and George. I’m looking forward to building on that experience at Yas Marina.”

“It’s a track I know well, and that will no doubt make it easier to get up to speed in the one hour of practice. I’m extremely excited to get back behind the wheel of the W14 for FP1 and then the post-season test. Once again, I want to say a big thank you to the team for giving me this opportunity.”

Hamilton shows off Donatella Versace jacket

Lewis Hamilton is not only known for his renowned world-beating performances but also for his incredible fashion sense outside the track. In a recent Instagram post, he showcased a collection of his most accomplished looks, featuring a Versace leather jacket. It is highly likely that the jacket was a direct gift from Donatella Versace herself, as suggested by a tag in the final slide of the post.

This particular jacket seamlessly brings together Verstappen’s bold yet timeless designs, the outspoken aesthetics matched with Las Vegas, and Hamilton’s adoration for high-end designer fashion.

Do you think Vesti would be able to match Hamilton’s level of performance during the Abu Dhabi GP? Tell us in the comment section below.