As many as nine rookie drivers will take part in the FP1 session of the Mexican Grand Prix, with every Formula 1 team except Sauber fielding a debutant. Under the current regulations, each full-time driver must give up their seat to a rookie for two free practice sessions during the season. For the FIA, a “rookie” is defined as a driver who has started no more than two Grands Prix.
The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City is considered an ideal venue to give young talents valuable experience. Last year, five rookies took part in FP1, and one of them will return to the same track this season. Here’s a look at all nine drivers who will be on track this weekend.
Pato O’Ward (McLaren)
The Mexican driver will return to the wheel of the McLaren at his home Grand Prix for the second consecutive year. Last May, the papaya team had already confirmed that O’Ward would take part in FP1. He will replace Lando Norris for this session, marking another step in his growing collaboration with McLaren.
Antonio Fuoco (Ferrari)
Representing the Scuderia Ferrari will be an Italian driver: Antonio Fuoco. He will make his debut at the Mexico City circuit, taking over Lewis Hamilton’s seat for FP1. Antonio Fuoco is no stranger to Ferrari machinery, having already taken part in several free practice sessions with the team, the most recent being in Abu Dhabi last year.
Fred Vesti (Mercedes)
Mercedes will field Danish driver Fred Vesti in place of George Russell for FP1. The 23-year-old made his Formula 1 debut in free practice at the very same track back in 2023. Vesti is currently one of Mercedes’ most promising young talents and continues to be part of their junior program.
Arvid Lindblad (Red Bull)
After testing the RB21 at Silverstone in July, young Formula 2 rookie Arvid Lindblad will drive in FP1 for Red Bull, replacing Max Verstappen. At just 18 years old, Lindblad is regarded as one of the most promising names in the Red Bull Junior Team. In recent weeks, his name has been circulating as a possible candidate for a future Formula 1 seat.
Ayumu Iwasa (Racing Bulls)
Racing Bulls will put Japanese driver Ayumu Iwasa behind the wheel in place of Liam Lawson. For Iwasa, this will be his fourth free practice appearance, having previously driven for both Red Bull and Racing Bulls between last year and this season. His consistent progress in Formula 2 has made him one of Japan’s most watched young drivers.
Jak Crawford (Aston Martin)
American Formula 2 driver Jak Crawford will make his Formula 1 debut with Aston Martin during FP1 in Mexico, taking over Lance Stroll’s seat. The 19-year-old from Texas is part of the Red Bull junior program and will have his first real opportunity to experience F1 machinery during this session.
Luke Browning (Williams)
Williams will hand its car to British driver Luke Browning for the FP1 session of the Mexican Grand Prix, with Carlos Sainz stepping aside. This will be Browning’s third FP1 appearance in Formula 1. A member of the Williams Racing Driver Academy, the young Brit is currently third in the Formula 2 drivers’ standings and continues to impress with his consistent performances.
Ryo Hirakawa (Haas)
Oliver Bearman will not take part in FP1, with Haas choosing to field Japanese driver Ryo Hirakawa instead. Hirakawa previously drove for Alpine, where he took part in FP1 at Suzuka. After moving to Haas, this will be his first session with the American team, giving him another valuable opportunity to gain F1 mileage.
Paul Aron (Alpine)
Finally, Paul Aron will drive for Alpine, replacing Pierre Gasly during FP1 in Mexico. For the 21-year-old Estonian driver, this will mark his fourth FP1 appearance. Aron continues to be one of the most promising young drivers in Alpine’s program, combining technical precision with growing maturity behind the wheel.
Leave a Reply