Photo: Formula Motorsport Limited
Mercedes-AMG Formula 1 junior Frederik Vesti has secured graduation to Formula 2 with ART Grand Prix.
The Dane has spent the past two years racing in FIA Formula 3, coming fourth in both years of the F1-supporting championship. His rookie campaign was spent with Prema, and he moved to ART GP for 2021.
He remains with the French outfit, with who he won one race last year, as he steps up a level on the open-wheel ladder.
“To sign my FIA F2 contract with ART GP is a big thing for me,” said Vesti.
“We worked incredibly hard in F3 last season and to continue the progress into F2 together is important for my next step.
“Now it is crucial to understand all the small details of F2 to achieve the maximum in 2022. Testing in Abu Dhabi went really well, and I learned a lot of new things. I can’t wait to be in the car for the first test in Bahrain. I want to thank ART GP for this great opportunity and for believing in me.”
Vesti started his off-season by contesting F2’s official three-day post-season test at Yas Marina Circuit with ART GP, then returned to his part-time work as ground crew with jet planes at Denmark’s Billund Airport.
His F2 promotion means the top four from F3 last year have all moved straight up, whereas in 2020 only the top two did.
“The first year of the partnership was fruitful for both sides with several podiums and a win that saw Fred end the year in 4th place with a total of 17 top 10s in 20 races,” said ART GP’s team principal Sébastien Philippe.
“Some details kept him from fighting for the title, but we know he has what it takes to do so. After two years of F3, the logical continuation of our collaboration goes through F2. The off-season testing has met our expectations and in 2022 we will aim to fight at the forefront.”