Mercedes Formula 1 reserve driver Fred Vesti has revealed an astonishing behind-the-scenes effort ahead of the Miami Grand Prix—completing nearly 1,000 simulator laps to help prepare the team for the race weekend.

The unexpected five-week break between the Japanese and Miami Grands Prix gave teams a rare opportunity to regroup at the factory and reset before the season resumed. For Vesti, that meant an intense period of simulator work at Mercedes' Brackley base.

"Honestly, I was amazed at how cool the event was," Vesti said of the Miami race at Hard Rock Stadium on the Mercedes Nu Silver Arrows Radio Show. "I was there a few years ago, and just how much it's grown in those two years has blown my mind, really. So many fans. The show that's being put on is quite cool. And then the race itself was a great Formula 1 race—probably the best one so far this year in terms of close racing. The strategy was really cool, as well."

When asked about his simulator workload, Vesti revealed: "Closer to a thousand, I think, before Miami. And also, after. I flew straight back here to Brackley, straight back into the sim."

While many teams brought upgrades to Miami, Mercedes is targeting the Canadian Grand Prix at the end of May for its own performance boost. That strategic patience seems to be paying off—the Brackley squad has enjoyed a dominant start to the 2026 season, winning every grand prix so far. George Russell took victory in the season-opening Australian Grand Prix and the Chinese sprint race, while teammate Kimi Antonelli has racked up three consecutive wins in China, Japan, and Miami.

The 19-year-old Antonelli has become the youngest driver to lead the championship and now holds a 20-point advantage over Russell after his Miami triumph. The Canadian Grand Prix at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve (22-24 May) will be the next test for Mercedes' relentless form.