Ten Rookie Drivers Set to Feature in Opening Practice at Mexico City Grand Prix

A total of ten rookie and reserve drivers will take part in the opening free practice session of the Mexico City Grand Prix weekend. The Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez has traditionally been a prime venue for teams to fulfill their young driver testing duties. This year is no exception, with virtually every team on the grid—barring Ferrari—handing over one of their cars to a newcomer for FP1.

Mercedes: Frederik Vesti steps in for George Russell

Mercedes reserve driver Frederik Vesti will make his third FP1 appearance of the 2026 campaign, having previously driven for the Silver Arrows in Barcelona and at the Hungaroring. This marks the first time this season that Russell has stepped aside, meaning the Briton will need to sit out one more opening practice session before the end of the year.

Red Bull: Ayumu Iwasa to drive in place of Max Verstappen

This will be Ayumu Iwasa's fourth Friday practice outing of the season, having already logged two sessions for Red Bull and one for Racing Bulls, where he serves as the official reserve driver. The Japanese racer, who secured the Super Formula title last season and currently sits second in the standings, takes over Verstappen's cockpit for the second time in 2026.

McLaren: Leonardo Fornaroli replaces Lando Norris

Reigning Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli—who serves as McLaren's test and reserve driver and is slated to race for their WEC Hypercar program next season—will take part in his third practice run of the year. The Italian is also scheduled to run in Sao Paulo and will replace Norris on Mexican soil.

Racing Bulls: Nikola Tsolov replaces Liam Lawson

Bulgarian prospect Nikola Tsolov, who has impressed in Formula 2 this season where he currently holds second place in the championship, will make his official Formula 1 race weekend debut behind the wheel of the VCARB machine.

Alpine: Gabriele Mini replaces Franco Colapinto

Italian talent Gabriele Mini will also get his first taste of an official Grand Prix weekend session. The 21-year-old Alpine Academy member, who drives for MP Motorsport in Formula 2, currently sits fourth in the feeder series standings.

Haas: Ryo Hirakawa in for Esteban Ocon

Toyota's World Endurance Championship driver Ryo Hirakawa will make his third FP1 appearance of the season, having previously driven for Haas in Austria and Hungary. Hirakawa currently leads the WEC Hypercar standings with Toyota following victories at Imola, Fuji, and Barcelona this year.

Audi: Freddie Slater takes over Gabriel Bortoleto's car

Rising British star Freddie Slater, last season's Formula 3 runner-up who is set to step up to Formula 2 next year, will also make his official Formula 1 practice debut in Mexico.

Williams: Luke Browning replaces Alex Albon

Williams reserve driver Luke Browning will jump back into the cockpit, stepping in for Alex Albon in Mexico City. This marks his fourth appearance of the year, though he is set for another outing later in the season after an electrical issue in Barcelona prevented him from completing a single lap.

Aston Martin: Jak Crawford replaces Lance Stroll

Aston Martin reserve Jak Crawford will make his fourth FP1 appearance of 2026, replacing Lance Stroll. Following his second-place finish in Formula 2 last season, the American is currently focusing entirely on his duties with the Silverstone-based team.

Cadillac: Colton Herta to drive in place of Valtteri Bottas

Colton Herta will take part in his fifth FP1 session of the season. According to Cadillac's calculations, completing the required mileage during this session will secure the American the final points needed to satisfy the criteria for an FIA Super Licence.