The Mexico City Grand Prix’s opening practice on Friday is set to look like a large window into Formula 1’s potential future, with no less than nine rookies taking part in the session.
The largest single-session influx of newcomers in years will hit the track as teams tick off their mandatory young driver runs for 2025.
Under the regulations, every full-time driver must give up their seat twice a season to a rookie – defined as anyone with fewer than three F1 race starts.
This year’s lineup spans IndyCar stars, F2 frontrunners, and endurance aces. Some are auditioning for future race seats; others are simply living the dream for 60 glorious minutes.
So here’s who’s stepping in – and who’s stepping aside:
McLaren – Pato O’Ward for Lando Norris
Home hero Pato O’Ward is back for another Mexico FP1, ready to send the grandstands into orbit. The IndyCar runner-up and McLaren reserve knows the circuit like the back of his fireproof glove and will mix crowd-pleasing flair with solid data collection. Expect fireworks — hopefully only metaphorical ones.
Mercedes – Fred Vesti for George Russell
Cool, composed, and quietly relentless, Fred Vesti returns for his fourth FP1 outing. The Dane’s already sampled the Silver Arrow in Bahrain and Mexico before – this time, he brings fresh experience from IMSA, where he’s been winning races. Mercedes love his feedback almost as much as his clean telemetry sheets.
Ferrari – Antonio Fuoco for Lewis Hamilton
Antonio Fuoco, Ferrari’s endurance star and Le Mans winner, finally gets to trade the 24-hour grind for a one-hour sprint. The 29-year-old Italian knows the Scuderia machinery inside out and will drive Hamilton’s SF-25 with speed and style. Expect calm hands and classy laps.
Red Bull – Arvid Lindblad for Max Verstappen
At just 18, Arvid Lindblad is living every young racer’s fantasy — driving the reigning champion’s Red Bull. Already a double race winner in F2, the British prodigy returns for his second FP1 with a mix of nerves and natural swagger. Don’t expect Verstappen-level lap times, but the kid’s got spark.
Williams – Luke Browning for Carlos Sainz
Luke Browning slides into Sainz’s seat for his third FP1, still riding high from a strong F2 campaign that has him fighting for the title. The Williams junior has a knack for wringing performance out of anything with four wheels – and isn’t shy about showing it. Keep an eye on this one.
Aston Martin – Jak Crawford for Lance Stroll
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Young, American, and seriously quick, Jak Crawford finally makes his F1 weekend debut. He’s logged thousands of test kilometres for Aston Martin, but this is the real thing – his first taste of a live session. With four F2 wins this year and plenty of Texan grit, Crawford’s here to impress.
Haas – Ryo Hirakawa for Oliver Bearman
Ryo Hirakawa has been busy this year, splitting time between Haas and Alpine while hopping continents. The 31-year-old Japanese racer brings experience and precision – more Zen than zoom – as he continues Haas’s FP1 program. Another steady run here, and Abu Dhabi awaits for his season finale.
Racing Bulls – Ayumu Iwasa for Liam Lawson
Ayumu Iwasa returns for his fourth FP1, proving that the Red Bull academy pipeline never sleeps. The Super Formula contender from Japan combines sharp reflexes with smooth consistency, and with Lawson watching closely from the garage, there’s a bit of friendly rivalry in the mix.
Alpine – Paul Aron for Pierre Gasly
If there’s one rookie with something to prove, it’s Paul Aron. The Estonian F2 star – and possible contender for Alpine’s 2026 race seat – takes Gasly’s car for his fourth FP1 of the year. Fast, focused, and ice-cool, Aron knows this hour could help define his F1 future.
Friday in Mexico will be a glimpse into F1’s next generation – a grid full of hopefuls chasing tenths, dreams, and maybe even future contracts.
And for the veterans watching from the pit wall, it’s a reminder: the kids are coming, and they’re coming fast.
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