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Why Mercedes' new junior doesn't see himself as the next Russell

The Mercedes junior programme has a phenomenal conversion rate when it comes to graduates reaching F1. Its latest signing has the attributes needed for success, but Frederik Vesti is his own man and doesn't want to be compared with his predecessors

Luke Smith Feb 14, 2021, 11:41 AM

On the current Formula 1 grid, there are four distinct approaches towards developing the next generation of grand prix drivers through junior programmes.

Red Bull has the longest-running and perhaps best-known junior programme, taking a wide net approach. It has helped launched the careers of over one-quarter of the 2021 grid, but also has an incredibly high turnover rate that means very few drivers make it right the way to a Red Bull F1 seat.

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Author Luke Smith

Luke Smith is Autosport’s Formula 1 reporter. Luke has been working in F1 as a journalist since 2013, initially alongside a History degree at University College London. Luke served as the lead F1 writer at American broadcaster NBC Sports from 2013-17 before spending two years as the F1 Editor for Crash.net. Luke joined Autosport for the 2020 season.

Luke is also a contributor to The New York Times for its F1 special reports, and has previously worked with Al Jazeera and CNBC, as well as hosting FIA press conferences. Outside of F1, Luke is a fan of sports and music, with an ever-growing vinyl collection, and has being bitten by the running bug in recent years. He also runs a surprisingly popular blog reviewing the often-terrible media centre coffee from his F1 travels.