F1 Heads to Mexico City for the Grand Prix

This week, Formula 1 kicks back into gear following last week’s US Grand Prix, with teams now heading to Mexico for the Mexico City Grand Prix.

Last week featured the F1 sprint race, only allowing one hour of practice before the initial qualifying session. However, this week returns to the classic Grand Prix format, which includes three practice sessions ahead of qualifying.

This means that some rookies will get their first taste of the track during the opening hour of practice.

Overall, there will be nine rookies participating in Friday’s FP1 at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodríguez. It’s quite a buzz, really—almost half the grid will be new faces. So, who are these drivers, and what makes the Mexico City Grand Prix such a favored spot for rookie sessions?

Why Nine Rookies Will Participate in FP1

With the 2025 F1 season approaching, rules about rookie practice sessions have shifted. The idea of dedicating practice time for rookies was introduced ahead of the 2022 season. Teams are now mandated to feature rookie drivers—those with fewer than two F1 races on their record—in two FP1 sessions throughout the season. This initiative aims to give emerging drivers a chance to showcase their skills and gather vital experience in the competitive environment of Formula 1.

This year, however, the requirements have expanded. Teams are now expected to field rookie drivers in a total of four FP1 sessions, with each car needing two. That’s quite a change.

There are a few reasons why we’re seeing such a large number of rookies in Mexico City this weekend. The circuit itself, Autodromo Hermanos Rodríguez, is a well-known permanent layout that provides a bit more room for error compared to street circuits, making it a practical spot for newcomers.

Moreover, this weekend follows a traditional Grand Prix format, which includes additional practice time after FP1. This means even if someone misses the first hour, they still have a good two hours to prepare before qualifying.

Additionally, the timing of the Mexico City Grand Prix is unique in the F1 calendar. It comes right after last week’s sprint race in Austin, so some drivers might be coming in fresh. Plus, with more sprint races on the horizon, this race represents one of the last chances for teams to fulfill their rookie practice stipulations.

Meet the Nine Rookies for FP1

Pato O’Ward is back to drive in front of his local fans, having participated in FP1 at this same Grand Prix last year. He’s no stranger to F1 practice sessions either, having also been on track in Abu Dhabi during the 2022 and 2023 seasons.

Replacing Lando Norris for this session, O’Ward secured second place in the IndyCar Championship last season with Arrow McLaren.

Antonio Fuoco will be making his debut in FP1 in Mexico, stepping in for Lewis Hamilton in the SF-25. Fuoco was part of the number 50 Ferrari AF Corse team that achieved victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

This will count as Ferrari’s third out of four mandatory rookie sessions this year. Dino Beganovic previously substituted for Charles Leclerc in Bahrain and Austria, meaning Hamilton will need to miss one more session as mandated.

With team dynamics shifting, Arvid Lindblad will have another FP1 session, potentially paving the way for a spot on the F1 grid. He’ll be driving Max Verstappen’s RB21 after previously making his FP1 debut at the British Grand Prix.

Aston Martin: Jack Crawford

American driver Jack Crawford, who is contending in F2, will be making his FP1 debut for Aston Martin this weekend, taking over Lance Stroll’s AMR25. Currently, he ranks second in the F2 Drivers’ Championship, trailing behind Leonardo Fornaroli and has clinched four wins this season, one notably at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Frédéric Besti will also participate, marking his fourth FP1 showing, previously driving in Mexico City, Abu Dhabi, and Bahrain this year, filling in for George Russell.

Vesti has transitioned to endurance racing but maintains a reserve role with Mercedes in F1. Meanwhile, Paul Aaron will replace Pierre Gasly during FP1 amid speculation regarding Alpine’s lineup for 2026. The Estonian has had prior FP1 experience with Sauber and Alpine.

Ryo Hirakawa rounds out the rookie roster for this weekend; his experience includes driving for both Alpine and Haas in previous FP1 sessions.

Notably, Carlos Sainz Jr. won’t be available for Friday’s FP1, as Williams hands his FW47 to junior driver Luke Browning. Browning previously participated in FP1 at the Bahrain Grand Prix and currently sits third in the F2 Championship, with a win under his belt from the Italian Grand Prix.

Lastly, Ayumu Iwasa steps in for Liam Lawson, showcasing his skills by driving Max Verstappen’s RB21 during the Bahrain Grand Prix and also participating in Abu Dhabi’s FP1 last year.