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2026 Mexican GP: FP1 Driver Lineup Changes and Young Talents Taking the Wheel

The 2026 Mexican Grand Prix will showcase emerging talents as several Formula 1 teams hand over their cars to younger drivers during Free Practice 1. This move aligns with the mandatory rule requiring rookie drivers to participate in four FP1 sessions throughout the season.

Teams usually swap out their main drivers only for FP1, allowing them to keep FP2 and FP3 for car setup and further testing. This approach lets rookies gain valuable track time without affecting the primary drivers’ preparation.

Notable Reserve Drivers Participating in FP1

  • Colton Herta, Cadillac: Recently, Herta replaced Sergio Perez at the United States GP, completing 21 laps at Circuit of The Americas and earning a Super Licence point. He needs one more point to reach the required 40 for a full F1 seat. His run this weekend could push him closer to a potential 2027 seat if Cadillac approves.
  • Frederik Vesti, Mercedes: Vesti will stand in for George Russell in Mexico. With experience as the 2023 Formula 2 runner-up and multiple FP1 appearances, he is well-acquainted with Mercedes' development program since 2021.
  • Leonardo Fornaroli, McLaren: The reigning F2 champion will drive Lando Norris's car on Friday, marking his fourth FP1 this year. Fornaroli also claimed the 2024 F3 championship but has yet to secure a permanent F1 role.
  • Gabriele Minì, Alpine: Minì will make his FP1 debut replacing Franco Colapinto’s Alpine. Currently racing with MP Motorsport in F2, this follows Alpine's previous FP1 outings for Paul Aron earlier this year.
  • Freddie Slater, Audi: Another first-time FP1 driver, Slater will take over from Gabriel Bortoleto. At just 18, the British driver recently finished second in the F3 championship and plans to move up to F2 with Invicta Racing next year.
  • Luke Browning, Williams: Browning will substitute for Alex Albon. This marks his third FP1 session in 2026, with his last scheduled in Brazil. He is a member of the Williams Driver Academy.
  • Jak Crawford, Aston Martin: Crawford will pilot Lance Stroll’s car, completing his fourth FP1 outing after runs in Japan, Austria, and Belgium. He serves as Aston Martin’s reserve driver.

Other Potential FP1 Drivers

There are rumors about additional replacements pending confirmation:

  • Ryo Hirakawa may step in for Haas driver Esteban Ocon. Hirakawa acts as Haas’s second reserve alongside Jack Doohan.
  • Ayumu Iwasa might take over Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. Iwasa currently competes for Team Mugen in the Super Formula Championship.

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