Mercedes will debut new driver in Barcelona test

Mercedes will hand the W10 over to a new driver in this week's tests at the Circuit de Catalunya, with Nikita Mazepin set to take on duties for the constructors' champions. Formula 2 racer Mazepin has previously tested for Force India and will be in the cockpit for Mercedes on Wednesday in Barcelona.

Mazepin's billionaire father Dmitry attempted to purchase Force India before the team became Racing Point under the guidance of Lawrence Stroll.

He has also been linked with a bid for Williams in the future, although both Mazepin and Williams insist such suggestions were wide of the mark.

Mazepin Jr has stepped up to F2 this year with ART, having spent the last three years in European Formula 3 and GP3, where he finished second to Anthoine Hubert last year.

The 20-year-old scored points in the Baku feature race and has been undertaking a testing programme for Mercedes this year, the team confirmed.

Valtteri Bottas will be in action on the Tuesday, with Lewis Hamilton given the week off driving duties.

With teams mandated to pick a 'rookie' for a set amount of test days, George Russell and Esteban Ocon do not count under the parameters, opening up the door for Mazepin.

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