Jüri Vips in a Red Bull during FP1 of the Spanish Grand Prix

It's Red Bull's turn to field one of its young drivers for FP1 of the Spanish Grand Prix, in the person of Jüri Vips. The Estonian will take the place of Sergio Pérez for this first free practice session of the weekend.

Published on 19/05/2022 à 10:47

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Jüri Vips in a Red Bull during FP1 of the Spanish Grand Prix

Jüri Vips, author of the pole position during the last F2 race weekend at Imola, is about to discover the Red Bull in Barcelona @Dutch Photo Agency DPPI

A newcomer hits the track in Barcelona! Currently eighth in the championship F2 with Hitech GP, Jüri Vips (21 years old) is preparing to make his big debut in F1, on the sidelines of EL1 of the Spanish Grand Prix. The Estonian has been making his mark for three years in the lower category, with his best result being sixth place in the championship last year.

Since its beginnings in car In 2016, Jüri Vips passed through all the youth categories, winning the supreme title in his second season of German F4. Spotted by the Red Bull Junior Team following its good results, Vips was integrated into the program at the end of 2018, before joining the ranks of Hitech GP, already, for the following season of Formula 3.

If he was in the good books of the Austrian firm to integrate Alpha Tauri in 2021, Red Bull preferred Yuki tsunoda, whose proximity and support from Honda were certain assets. Since then, the Estonian seems to be marking time somewhat, despite two victories and six podiums in F2 in 2021.

Heading out for FP1 👊 Juri Vips will drive the RB18 in Friday’s first session at the #SpanishGP 🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/H9aBCTEjPl

- Oracle Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) May 19, 2022

If most of the teams will introduce new elements on the well-known Barcelona track – which has hosted winter testing for many years – it will also be an opportunity to see some reserve drivers take to the track, like of Nick de Vries at Williams, who replaces Alex Albon, or Robert Kubica, who will take his place in the C42 for the first free practices of the Spanish weekend with Alfa Romeo.

Jüri Vips will, for his part, be at the wheel of the RB18 during the first free practice session, scheduled for 14 p.m. on the Barcelona track, before resuming his place in F2, for the qualifying session scheduled for 18:30 p.m. As a reminder, the Estonian benefits from the new rule put in place this season in F1, requiring each team to place a young rookie reserve driver during two free practice sessions during the season.