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2026 Mexican GP: All FP1 Driver Changes Reported

The 2026 Mexican Grand Prix will showcase several rising talents stepping into Formula 1 cars during Free Practice 1. Due to the mandatory rookie-running rule requiring four FP1 sessions per season, many teams are allowing their reserve or test drivers to gain track time at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez.

This practice usually happens during race weekends with only three practice sessions, ensuring main drivers still have two sessions (FP2 and FP3) to fine-tune their car setups after giving way to reserves in FP1.

Recent FP1 Substitute: Colton Herta

Cadillac's Colton Herta recently replaced Sergio Perez in FP1 at the United States Grand Prix, completing 21 laps at Circuit of The Americas. This stint earned him a Super Licence point, bringing him closer to the 40 points needed for an F1 seat. Herta is expected to appear again in FP1 at Mexico, joining other young hopefuls.

Drivers Scheduled for FP1 in Mexico

  • Colton Herta (Cadillac): Needs one more Super Licence point to qualify for an F1 seat. Completing over 100 kilometers on Friday could boost his chances for 2027.
  • Frederik Vesti (Mercedes): Replacing George Russell, Vesti finished second in the 2023 Formula 2 championship and has been part of Mercedes' development since 2021. He has multiple FP1 appearances already.
  • Leonardo Fornaroli (McLaren): The reigning F2 champion will take over Lando Norris's McLaren. This marks his fourth FP1 session this year. Fornaroli also won the 2024 F3 title but still lacks a full-time F1 seat.
  • Gabriele Minì (Alpine): Making his FP1 debut by replacing Franco Colapinto. Minì races for MP Motorsport in F2. Alpine previously ran Paul Aron in FP1 at Hungary and Monza.
  • Freddie Slater (Audi): An 18-year-old British driver taking over from Gabriel Bortoleto for his first FP1 session. Slater was runner-up in this year's F3 and will move to F2 with Invicta Racing in 2027.
  • Luke Browning (Williams): Substituting for Alex Albon, Browning is in his third FP1 session this year and is part of the Williams Driver Academy. His last FP1 appearance will be at the Brazilian GP.
  • Jak Crawford (Aston Martin): Driving Lance Stroll's car for his fourth and final FP1 outing. Crawford has previously driven at Japan, Austria, and Belgium and serves as Aston Martin’s reserve driver.

Potential Additional FP1 Substitutes

  • Ryo Hirakawa (Haas): Expected to replace Esteban Ocon; he is Haas's second reserve alongside Jack Doohan.
  • Ayumu Iwasa (Red Bull): Rumored to stand in for Max Verstappen. Currently racing in the Super Formula Championship for Team Mugen.

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