Ten F1 Teams Hand Mexico City FP1 to Rookies, Ferrari Opts Out
Summary
Ten of 11 Formula 1 teams will run rookies in Mexico City FP1, with Ferrari the only outfit opting out. F2 contenders and reserves get a rare live audition.
Ten of Formula 1’s 11 teams will hand an FP1 car to a rookie at the 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix, turning opening practice into a busy audition. Ferrari is the only team not taking part.
Why it matters:
With private testing limited, FP1 rookie runs are a key pathway for young drivers. They offer F2 contenders, reserves and juniors rare live F1 mileage—and can shape Super Licence progress and future seat decisions.
The details:
- Alpine: Gabriele Mini (F2 P4) in Colapinto’s car; Aston Martin: Jak Crawford in Stroll’s, his fourth FP1.
- Audi: Freddie Slater, F3 runner-up, in Bortoleto’s car; Cadillac: Colton Herta in Bottas’s, fifth FP1 and chasing 100km for a Super Licence point.
- Haas: Toyota Hypercar champion Ryo Hirakawa in Ocon’s; McLaren: Leonardo Fornaroli, 2025 F2 champion, in Norris’s.
- Mercedes: Frederik Vesti in Russell’s for his seventh FP1; Racing Bulls: Nikola Tsolov, F2 P2, in Lawson’s for his first.
- Red Bull: Ayumu Iwasa in Verstappen’s for his eighth; Williams: Luke Browning in Albon’s after Super Formula.
What's next:
The mandatory rookie rule—two or fewer GP starts, now four FP1 outings per team each season—has made Mexico’s session a mini driver market. How these rookies handle live pressure could influence late-season evaluations and future line-ups.
Original Article :https://www.planetf1.com/news/mexico-city-gp-2026-f1-rookie-drivers-fp1