Mexico's Friday looks like a generational shift. The rules require each team to hand each car to a rookie twice in Practice 1, and several teams have left that duty to the end of the year.
Who replaces whom in Practice 1
| Team | Regular driver | Practice 1 driver |
|---|---|---|
| McLaren | Norris | Leonardo Fornaroli |
| Mercedes | Russell | Frederik Vesti |
| Red Bull | Verstappen | Ayumu Iwasa |
| Racing Bulls | Lawson | Nikola Tsolov |
| Alpine | Colapinto | Gabriele Minì |
| Williams | Albon | Luke Browning |
| Aston Martin | Stroll | Jak Crawford |
| Haas | Ocon | Ryo Hirakawa |
| Audi | Bortoleto | Freddie Slater |
| Cadillac | Bottas | Colton Herta |
| Ferrari | — | No rookie: Leclerc and Hamilton drive |
List according to Crash.net and GPblog. The debutants in an official session are Tsolov and Slater, according to Formula1.com.
Racing Bulls: three drivers for two cars
According to Crash.net, Tsolov has won six races in his first full F2 year with Campos and sits seven points behind the leader, Rafael Camara, already announced as a Haas driver. Lawson is ninth in the championship, but team principal Alan Permane summed up the dilemma: "three doesn't fit into two", with a decision "in the coming weeks".
What each Practice 1 outing means
For the driver it is a real-car test, though in a one-hour session where the team tries parts and tyres. For the team it fulfils an obligation and gives data on a driver it may offer a seat. Formuradar will publish each session's times as soon as they are loaded.
Frequently asked questions
Who replaces Lawson in Mexico Practice 1?
Nikola Tsolov, who makes his debut in an official session with Racing Bulls.
Why are there ten rookies in Practice 1?
Because the 2026 rules oblige each team to give two rookie outings per car during the season.
Which team hands over no car?
Ferrari: Leclerc and Hamilton drive in Practice 1.
Sources
- Crash.net · Who's replacing Verstappen, Russell and Norris in Mexico GP practice?
- GPblog · List of rookie drivers in FP1 of the Mexico City Grand Prix
- Crash.net · Racing Bulls announcement increases spotlight on looming driver decision
- Formula1.com · Race week: 5 storylines for the 2026 Mexico City GP
Figures and quotes come from the linked sources and may have changed since.
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