As many as 9 rookie drivers will participate within the FP1 session of the Mexican Grand Prix, with each Components 1 group besides Sauber fielding a debutant. Beneath the present rules, every full-time driver should hand over their seat to a rookie for 2 free observe classes throughout the season. For the FIA, a “rookie” is outlined as a driver who has began not more than two Grands Prix.
The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico Metropolis is taken into account an excellent venue to provide younger skills beneficial expertise. Final yr, 5 rookies took half in FP1, and one in all them will return to the identical monitor this season. Right here’s a have a look at all 9 drivers who might be on monitor this weekend.
Pato O’Ward (McLaren)
The Mexican driver will return to the wheel of the McLaren at his house Grand Prix for the second consecutive yr. Final Could, the papaya group had already confirmed that O’Ward would participate in FP1. He’ll exchange Lando Norris for this session, marking one other step in his rising collaboration with McLaren.
Antonio Fuoco (Ferrari)
Representing the Scuderia Ferrari might be an Italian driver: Antonio Fuoco. He’ll make his debut on the Mexico Metropolis circuit, taking on Lewis Hamilton’s seat for FP1. Antonio Fuoco isn’t any stranger to Ferrari equipment, having already taken half in a number of free observe classes with the group, the latest being in Abu Dhabi final yr.
Fred Vesti (Mercedes)
Mercedes will area Danish driver Fred Vesti in place of George Russell for FP1. The 23-year-old made his Components 1 debut in free observe at the exact same monitor again in 2023. Vesti is at present one in all Mercedes’ most promising younger skills and continues to be a part of their junior program.
Arvid Lindblad (Crimson Bull)
After testing the RB21 at Silverstone in July, younger Components 2 rookie Arvid Lindblad will drive in FP1 for Crimson Bull, changing Max Verstappen. At simply 18 years previous, Lindblad is considered one of the promising names within the Crimson Bull Junior Crew. In current weeks, his identify has been circulating as a doable candidate for a future Components 1 seat.
Ayumu Iwasa (Racing Bulls)
Racing Bulls will put Japanese driver Ayumu Iwasa behind the wheel instead of Liam Lawson. For Iwasa, this might be his fourth free observe look, having beforehand pushed for each Crimson Bull and Racing Bulls between final yr and this season. His constant progress in Components 2 has made him one in all Japan’s most watched younger drivers.
Jak Crawford (Aston Martin)
American Components 2 driver Jak Crawford will make his Components 1 debut with Aston Martin throughout FP1 in Mexico, taking on Lance Stroll’s seat. The 19-year-old from Texas is a part of the Crimson Bull junior program and could have his first actual alternative to expertise F1 equipment throughout this session.
Luke Browning (Williams)
Williams will hand its automotive to British driver Luke Browning for the FP1 session of the Mexican Grand Prix, with Carlos Sainz stepping apart. This might be Browning’s third FP1 look in Components 1. A member of the Williams Racing Driver Academy, the younger Brit is at present third within the Components 2 drivers’ standings and continues to impress along with his constant performances.
Ryo Hirakawa (Haas)
Oliver Bearman won’t participate in FP1, with Haas selecting to area Japanese driver Ryo Hirakawa as an alternative. Hirakawa beforehand drove for Alpine, the place he took half in FP1 at Suzuka. After shifting to Haas, this might be his first session with the American group, giving him one other beneficial alternative to achieve F1 mileage.
Paul Aron (Alpine)
Lastly, Paul Aron will drive for Alpine, changing Pierre Gasly throughout FP1 in Mexico. For the 21-year-old Estonian driver, it will mark his fourth FP1 look. Aron continues to be one of the promising younger drivers in Alpine’s program, combining technical precision with rising maturity behind the wheel.
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