Kevin Magnussen has backed compatriot Frederik Vesti to secure a seat on the Formula 1 grid in the near future.
Vesti is backed by the Mercedes F1 programme and currently leads the Formula 2 championship with five rounds remaining in the 2023 season.
The Dane has taken four race wins and a further two podiums this year and holds a six-point lead over Sauber-backed Theo Pourchaire.
Mercedes has a history of securing their drivers spots on the F1 grid, with Pascal Wehrlein, Esteban Ocon and George Russell making their debuts while part of the German manufacturer’s programme.
With Vesti currently being the only F1-eligible candidate within the Mercedes scheme, Magnussen is hopeful that the 21-year-old will land a seat in the series going forward.
“I’ve known Frederik since he was a little kid,” Magnussen said. “He was good…I think he still is good friends with my little brother, and they went karting together back in the day.
“And, now, Frederik is one of the leading youngsters outside of Formula 1, I would say, and he’s doing a great job leading the championship in F2 and showing great consistency and maturity.
“I think the whole of Denmark is very excited for him and about him and hopefully there’ll be a spot in F1 for him in the future.”
Vesti took part in the post-season test from Abu Dhabi last year, getting behind the wheel of the Mercedes W13 challenger.
It marked his first outing in F1 machinery with Mercedes, and he is likely to be nominated for the two mandatory rookie practice sessions with the team later this season.
