Vesti Exploring “Whole Spectrum of Racing” for Career Options

Frederik Vesti says he is aiming to be “in the most competitive environment I can” as he weighs up his future career path, establishing a goal of becoming a world champion and using 2024 to explore various disciplines alongside his role as a Formula 1 reserve.

The Danish racer, last year’s FIA Formula 2 runner-up, made his CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa debut last month with GruppeM Racing and has also been competing in the European Le Mans Series and 24 Hours of Le Mans in LMP2.

This season marks the first time Vesti has branched out into endurance racing after a career spent racing single-seaters, which has led to a reserve driver role with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team.

“There were two decisions to be made at the end of last year with a very strong F2 season,” Vesti told Sportscar365.

“Of course, to remain with Mercedes’ F1 team was a clear path for me during this year. So in the simulator, I live in the U.K. to assist in the sim.

“I do the reserve driver roles together with Mick Schumacher. We split them. I’m a little bit more active in the sim, and he does a little bit more on track but I’m doing around ten rounds this year as reserve driver.

“And then the question was, should I do nothing like some reserve drivers are doing, and just be a reserve and hope that an opportunity happens in the weekends I’m there, and then not do anything racing-wise on the other weekends?

“Or the other question, which is what I was definitely going towards, was racing in different cars, experiencing new tracks, new cars, new championships, and continue to learn.

“That’s why I’m doing LMP2 as well. I raced at Le Mans, doing ELMS. I did a Formula E test as well. and I’m also looking to do an IndyCar test this year.

“So, it’s a lot of different cars, but it’s really just exploring the whole spectrum of racing, and not just sitting in my flat, resting on a nice season of F2 last year.

“I want to learn, I want to improve, and I want to be active. Often I compare it with a tennis player. If they don’t play for one year and go to Australia for Australian Open, there’s no way they’re going to win.“

As well as racing in the “most competitive environment” possible, Vesti also laid out a goal of securing a world championship title in his career, possibly in the FIA World Endurance Championship if an F1 race seat doesn’t come his way.

“I think what is important for me in my career right now is doing the most competitive races I can,” Vesti said.

“Being a reserve driver is great, but I want to win a world championship. That could be Formula E, that could be in WEC.

“I’m not really sure yet which direction it goes if I don’t get a Formula 1 seat but I want to be in the most competitive environment I can.

“For me, F1 is still the main goal. It’s what I care the most about, what I push the most for, but I suppose I see all of this as a training ground for that.”

Vesti remained on the fence when asked where he sees his future in racing, explaining that he will use the 2024 as an opportunity to explore different career paths.

“To be completely honest, I actually don’t know yet,” he said.

“That’s exactly why I’m doing Le Mans, that’s why I’m doing [24H Spa]. It’s why I’m doing a Formula E test and different things. I’m not entirely sure yet.

“One thing is sure: I want to race [in] competitive places and that’s kind of what this is here what this year is for.

“Learning and exploring because I have literally been on the ladder towards F1 [all my career]. I’ve done F4, F3, F2 and then F1 testing.

“I’ve never ever looked at anything else. It’s just been focus on that, so I have zero experience [in sportscars] as well. That’s what I’m trying to get now.”