Fred Vesti reveals huge Mercedes F1 simulator push before Miami GP

TL;DR

Fred Vesti, Mercedes F1's third driver, completed around 1000 simulator laps during the April break before the Miami Grand Prix. He expressed amazement at the growth of the event since his last visit.

Key points

Fred Vesti is Mercedes F1's third driver.
He completed around 1000 simulator laps during the April break.
The break was between the Japanese and Miami Grands Prix.
Vesti was impressed by the growth of the Miami GP event.
The event attracted many fans compared to previous years.

MercedesMiami Grand PrixFred Vesti

Motorsport photo

Mercedes Formula 1 third driver Fred Vesti has revealed that he completed approximately 1000 laps on the simulator in the impromptu April break ahead of the Miami Grand Prix.

The five-week break between the Japanese and Miami Grands Prix offered teams an unexpected opportunity to get back to the factory and almost reset before the season resumed.

"Honestly, I was amazed at how cool the event was," Vesti said of the race at the Hard Rock Stadium on the Mercedes Nu Silver Arrows Radio Show. "I was there a few years ago, and just how much it's grown in those two years has blown my mind, really. So many fans.

"The show that's being put on is quite cool. And then the race itself was a great Formula 1 race. Probably the best one so far this year in terms of close racing. And the strategy was really cool, as well."

When asked how many laps he had done on the simulator, he added: "Closer to a thousand, I think, before Miami. And also, after. I flew straight back here to Brackley, straight back into the sim."

While the majority of teams brought upgrades to the Miami Grand Prix, Mercedes is planning its upgrades for the Canadian Grand Prix at the end of May.

Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes

The Brackley outfit has enjoyed a dominant start to the 2026 season, winning every grand prix so far. George Russell won the season-opening Australian Grand Prix and the Chinese sprint race, and his team-mate Kimi Antonelli has claimed three consecutive victories at the Chinese, Japanese and Miami Grands Prix.

Q&A

How many simulator laps did Fred Vesti complete before the Miami GP?

Fred Vesti completed approximately 1000 laps on the simulator before the Miami Grand Prix.

What did Fred Vesti say about the Miami Grand Prix event?

Fred Vesti remarked on the significant growth of the Miami Grand Prix event, noting the increase in fans since his last visit.

What was the significance of the five-week break before the Miami GP for F1 teams?

The five-week break allowed F1 teams to return to the factory and reset before the season resumed, providing an unexpected opportunity for preparation.