Source: Official Team Post via X
Rookie Drivers Gear Up for FP1 at the Mexico City Grand Prix
Ten rookie drivers will take the spotlight in FP1 at the Mexico City Grand Prix as seasoned drivers step aside. Ferrari remains the only team sticking with their regular lineup.
As the Mexico City Grand Prix approaches, ten rookie drivers are set to take the stage during the first practice session at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. While most teams will rotate their lineups to give these newcomers a chance, Ferrari is sticking with its regular drivers.
The regulations, unchanged from 2025, require each full-time driver to yield their seat to a rookie—defined as someone with no more than two Grand Prix starts—twice per season. Here's a look at the ten rookies who will be making their FP1 appearances this Friday.
Fred Vesti – Mercedes
Frederik Vesti will be behind the wheel for Mercedes, taking over from George Russell. Since joining as a junior in 2021, Vesti has climbed to the position of third driver, contributing significantly to the team's simulator work. He has already participated in FP1 sessions this season at Barcelona-Catalunya and Hungary.
Ayumu Iwasa – Red Bull
Ayumu Iwasa is juggling his role as Racing Bulls’ test and reserve driver with a Super Formula campaign. He's no stranger to FP1 sessions, having driven for both Racing Bulls and Red Bull in Barcelona, Austria, Italy, and Mexico City this year. This time, he'll be taking Max Verstappen's seat.
Leonardo Fornaroli – McLaren
Leonardo Fornaroli, fresh from a successful F2 season, will take Lando Norris' place at McLaren. The young Italian has been active, participating in a Testing of Previous Cars weekend in France, and is set for back-to-back FP1 sessions in Mexico City and Sao Paulo.
Nikola Tsolov – Racing Bulls
Nikola Tsolov is making his Racing Bulls debut in FP1, stepping in for Liam Lawson. The Bulgarian driver is a promising talent, sitting just seven points off the F2 lead. His performance could influence Racing Bulls' decisions for their 2027 driver lineup.
Gabriele Mini – Alpine
Alpine will field Gabriele Mini, who is making his FP1 debut. The Italian, a member of the Alpine Academy since 2023, has been performing well in F2, currently fourth in the standings. He will replace Franco Colapinto for this session.
Ryo Hirakawa – Haas
Veteran racer Ryo Hirakawa will represent Haas, taking over from Esteban Ocon. Hirakawa, who has a strong background in the World Endurance Championship, will be participating in his third FP1 session this season.
Freddie Slater – Audi
Making his FP1 debut for Audi is Freddie Slater, who is set to graduate to F2 next season. Slater, the first recruit of Audi's Driver Development Programme, will drive in Mexico City and Sao Paulo.
Luke Browning – Williams
Luke Browning, balancing his duties as Williams' reserve driver with a Super Formula campaign, will take Alex Albon's seat. This will be his fifth FP1 drive this year, as Williams granted him an extra session to make up for a missed opportunity in Barcelona.
Jak Crawford – Aston Martin
Jak Crawford returns to FP1 for Aston Martin, stepping in for Lance Stroll. This will be his last FP1 session of the season, following outings in Japan, Austria, and Belgium.
Colton Herta – Cadillac
American Colton Herta is on the brink of securing his Super Licence with Cadillac. Participating in his fifth FP1 session this year, he'll be taking Valtteri Bottas' place, aiming to complete the necessary mileage for his license.
While the spotlight will be on these rookies, the regular drivers will have to quickly adapt back to their cars as the weekend progresses. It's a chance for the newcomers to impress and, perhaps, a glimpse into the future of the sport.