Mercedes reserve driver reveals Toto Wolff asked him about F1 driver swap during race

Fred Vesti, the reserve driver for Mercedes, has disclosed that his role during races is more interactive than previously thought. He communicates directly with team principal Toto Wolff and other key decision-makers, providing insights based on his experience with the 2026 simulator. This involvement allows him to contribute to strategic discussions, especially regarding driver positioning during races.

During the Canadian Grand Prix, Wolff consulted Vesti about whether to instruct George Russell to let his teammate Kimi Antonelli pass, highlighting Vesti's unique perspective as a driver. Vesti noted that while the competition between Mercedes drivers is exciting for fans, it can be stressful for the team management. His contributions are aimed at enhancing the team's understanding of driver dynamics and race strategies.