P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Several rookies will prepare to get behind the wheel of a F1 car this weekend during the opening practice session at the Mexico City GP.
Several rookies will debut at the Mexico City Grand Prix in the opening practice session, replacing full-time drivers according to F1 regulations. Each full-time driver must yield their seat to a rookie in two practice sessions throughout the season. A rookie is a driver with no more than two Grands Prix experience, an increase from last year’s rule of one session only.
McLaren’s Pato O’Ward will drive the MCL39 at his home race, replacing Oscar Piastri. O’Ward currently races in IndyCar and does reserve and test work for McLaren, finishing second in the 2025 NTT IndyCar season.
Ferrari is fielding WEC driver Antonio Fuoco in place of Lewis Hamilton. Fuoco, a development driver for Ferrari, contributed to Ferrari’s 2024 Le Mans win and first pole position in the top class. Fuoco tested with Ferrari in 2015 and participated in subsequent young driver and post-season tests.
Mercedes will have Frederik Vesti in FP1 in place of George Russell, marking Vesti’s second outing this season. Vesti also competes in IMSA, with recent back-to-back victories in the championship.
Red Bull’s Arvid Lindblad will replace Max Verstappen in his second FP1 session of the year. Lindblad, a Red Bull junior, is currently seventh in his debut Formula 2 season, with two wins in the 2025 season.
Williams will see Luke Browning take Carlos Sainz’s seat for FP1. Browning, third in the Formula 2 championship, will have his third FP1 outing in Mexico. Browning previously drove in Abu Dhabi in 2024 and at the beginning of the 2025 season in Bahrain.
