Which Rookies Are Getting FP1 Outings in Mexico City?

Nearly every F1 team will hand over a car to a rookie in Friday’s opening practice for the Mexico City Grand Prix, with Ferrari the only outfit keeping its regular line-up. The mandatory FP1 rookie rule requires full-time drivers to sit out two sessions this season, giving reserve and junior drivers a rare chance to impress.

Why it matters:

These sessions are more than a formality. With several teams still finalising 2027 line-ups and drivers chasing Super Licence requirements, Friday’s running could shape future seats.

The details:

• Fred Vesti – Mercedes, replacing George Russell.
• Ayumu Iwasa – Red Bull, taking Max Verstappen’s RB22.
• Leonardo Fornaroli – McLaren, in for Lando Norris.
• Nikola Tsolov – Racing Bulls, replacing Liam Lawson and auditioning for 2027.
• Gabriele Mini – Alpine, driving Franco Colapinto’s car.
• Ryo Hirakawa – Haas, stepping in for Esteban Ocon.
• Freddie Slater – Audi, replacing Gabriel Bortoleto.
• Luke Browning – Williams, taking over Alex Albon’s FW48.
• Jak Crawford – Aston Martin, in Lance Stroll’s seat.
• Colton Herta – Cadillac, replacing Valtteri Bottas and needing 100km for his Super Licence.

What’s next:

Tsolov and Herta face the clearest immediate stakes: one is chasing a 2027 race seat, the other a Super Licence. The rest will use Mexico City to build experience before the sprint to São Paulo.