NEWS - 30. May 2023

Vesti makes history in Monaco

“Unbelievably big. Epic. Masterful”

The words flowed in a steady stream from even the harshest judges after Vesti's pole position on Friday, which was later crowned with a feature race win on Sunday in Monte Carlo.

Vesti made Danish sports history last weekend when he was the first and only Dane ever taking both pole position and the win in one of the highest categories in motorsports and on a track where the greatest drivers and legends throughout time have won. Vesti felt this most strongly when he was invited to this year's most prestigious gala on Sunday evening. Together with Max Verstappen, Vesti watched a cavalcade of 80 years of Grand Prix history in Monaco. A story he has now written himself into as an F2 driver.

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Pole position was even bigger for me than my win. I know I can win races. But I have lacked consistently being able to take pole position. When something you have worked so hard for and been 100% committed to finally pays off, everything simply clicks into place. To succeed with pole position – to succeed in Monaco itself is the proudest moment of my life so far. Winning in Monaco is the most coveted prize of them all and what we all dream of. For 12 years I pictured myself on top of that podium. It is and always will be the biggest race on the calendar.

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When the red racing lights went off, Vesti chose NOT to look in his mirror. There was only man and machine talking in this one moment. After taking the start, Vesti never really looked back. The lead steadily increased down to French Victor Martins and with the leader of the Championship, Théo Pourchaire in 3rd. At one point, Vesti was a full 10 seconds ahead of Martins.

A safety car and later a fire in Jack Doohan's race car that brought out the red flag did not mean anything to Vesti's superiority.

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My team executed a perfect pit stop. I knew in advance that my start and pit stop would be decisive for my race. Not many overtake in Monaco's winding and narrow streets. When the race was red flagged and we all pitted, it was no stress factor for me. I knew that if I just held on to my driving out there and got back into "the zone" I would bring it home.

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Being able to share the weekend with so many wonderful people meant a lot to Vesti.

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Seeing people's joy. Making others happy because I am doing well is an absolutely incredible feeling and experience. Everything is so much bigger. I share my pole and win with amazing people and personal supporters. A huge thank you to all of you out there that constantly help making me a better racing driver. You have a huge stake in my win. Rob Wilson! Rob, you were with me on every lap especially at the swimming pool. You know exactly why ;-))

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For manager Dorte Riis Madsen, Vesti's weekend was the culmination of her work.

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This is the biggest thing I have personally experienced in my time as a manager for 20 years, even though I have previously brought a driver to F1. It is the first time I am working with a driver who is able to "conquer" Monaco - a driver who is relentless in his pursuit of becoming the best driver and with such strong commitment, perseverance and dedication. Taking on Monaco and winning just goes to show how Fred continues to develop. With his propriety, loyalty and personality, Fred understands the importance of truly getting his team behind him and lift everyone up.

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Vesti enjoyed the rest of his Sunday watching the F1 race from the Mercedes' garage. Come Friday, the next round takes place in Barcelona, ​​where Vesti now gets into his race car as the leader of the Championship with a total of 89 points. In second place is Théo Pourchaire with 85 points and in third Japanese Ayumu Iwasa with 69 points.