Confirmed: Ferrari driver to take part in FP1 at Mexico City with Kick Sauber. Kick Sauber has confirmed that a Ferrari reserve driver will take part in Mexico FP1.

Robert Shwartzman Gets a Second Chance in 2024
Ferrari reserve driver Robert Shwartzman will return to the cockpit of the Kick Sauber this season. After his debut during the first free practice session for the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort, the Hinwil team is bringing the Ferrari academy driver back for the Mexican Grand Prix, fulfilling the requirement to field a so-called rookie in two practice sessions. Robert Shwartzman will replace Guanyu Zhou, who is nearing the end of his Formula 1 career.

The Statement
Here is the statement from the team, which was posted on social media earlier today:

He’s back: @ShwartzmanRob will return behind the wheel of the C44, driving in FP1 for Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber at this weekend’s Mexican Grand Prix. 💚 pic.twitter.com/12jS2A7kUq

— Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber (@stakef1team_ks) October 21, 2024

Mexico and Rookies
The decision by Kick Sauber makes sense, as there will be no Sprint in Mexico, allowing for the return of the three standard practice sessions. Given that this format will also occur in Brazil and Qatar, only Mexico, Las Vegas, and Abu Dhabi remained to be utilized.

In addition to Robert Shwartzman, Oliver Bearman will definitely be on track with Ferrari, Felipe Drugovich with Aston Martin, and Pato O’Ward with McLaren. Andrea Kimi Antonelli may also return to the track, but Mercedes has not yet confirmed its plans. Other names could be added in the coming hours.