Charles Leclerc reunites with Antonio Fuoco in Mexico and highlights his value to Ferrari

Charles Leclerc reunites with Antonio Fuoco in Mexico and highlights his value to Ferrari. Charles Leclerc teams up with Antonio Fuoco for FP1 at the Mexico GP.

For the first practice session at the Mexico City Grand Prix, Ferrari will feature a unique lineup as Charles Leclerc is joined by a familiar face: Antonio Fuoco, taking the seat of Lewis Hamilton. The FP1 sessions in Mexico provide an ideal opportunity for nine teams to run rookie tests mandated by the FIA, and Ferrari has chosen to recreate a pairing reminiscent of 2017, when both drivers were part of the Ferrari Driver Academy.

Antonio Fuoco, currently a key simulator driver and test driver for Ferrari, will take the wheel of the SF-25 during FP1 alongside Charles Leclerc. The two share a long history, having progressed together through the Ferrari Driver Academy and competed in Formula 2 with Prema Racing in 2017. Although their career paths have diverged, both continue to contribute to Ferrari’s racing program.

Charles Leclerc expressed his excitement about reuniting with Fuoco, noting the special bond they share from their time together in the Academy and in Formula 2. He emphasized that this session will be more than just a nostalgic reunion, highlighting the technical benefits Antonio Fuoco brings to the team. According to Charles Leclerc, having Antonio Fuoco drive the real car provides an essential comparison with virtual simulator data, making him an invaluable resource for the squad.

Antonio Fuoco, who currently competes full-time in the FIA World Endurance Championship with Ferrari AF Corse and celebrated victory at the 2024 24 Hours of Le Mans, remains a critical figure in the development of Ferrari’s car. His presence on track in Mexico is therefore both symbolic and practical, allowing the team to refine the synergy between real-world and simulated data.

This FP1 session marks a special moment for both drivers while underscoring Ferrari’s commitment to technical continuity and teamwork, blending experience, historical connections, and data-driven development to benefit the squad.