{"id":518585,"date":"2025-10-22T03:08:15","date_gmt":"2025-10-22T03:08:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/518585\/"},"modified":"2025-10-22T03:08:15","modified_gmt":"2025-10-22T03:08:15","slug":"f1-news-nearly-half-the-f1-grid-to-miss-first-mexico-practice","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/518585\/","title":{"rendered":"F1 news: Nearly half the F1 grid to miss first Mexico practice"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNearly half of the regular field of F1 drivers will be absent during FP1 in Mexico this weekend. Image: XPB Images<\/p>\n

Under current regulations, each full-time driver must give up their car for at least two FP1 sessions during the season to allow rookies \u2013 defined as those who have started no more than two grands prix \u2013 to gain experience.<\/p>\n

With the season nearing its end and limited opportunities remaining, several teams have opted to complete their requirements this weekend at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.<\/p>\n

McLaren, Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull, Williams, Haas, Alpine and Aston Martin will all make changes for FP1, bringing a mix of Formula 2 racers, test drivers and endurance stars into the spotlight.<\/p>\n

At Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton will sit out as Antonio Fuoco takes the wheel of the SF-25.<\/p>\n

The Italian, who won the 2024 Le Mans 24 Hours for Ferrari\u2019s works team, has been a long-time member of the Scuderia\u2019s simulator and development programme and last drove an F1 car at last year\u2019s post-season test.<\/p>\n

\u201cGot the call. Mexico, see you on track for FP1. Let\u2019s do this,\u201d Fuoco wrote on social media after the announcement.<\/p>\n

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Red Bull will also field a familiar young face, with F2 racer Arvid Lindblad set for his second FP1 appearance after debuting at Silverstone earlier this year. The 18-year-old Briton will replace Max Verstappen in the RB21.<\/p>\n

McLaren reserve driver and IndyCar star Pato O\u2019Ward will enjoy a home crowd reception as he replaces Lando Norris for the session.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s always great to come home,\u201d O\u2019Ward said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe atmosphere and fan support in Mexico City is very special.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m looking forward to getting on track, contributing to the team, helping with the car setup and gathering data.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mercedes will hand George Russell\u2019s car to Frederik Vesti for his fourth practice outing with the team, while Williams junior Luke Browning will step into Carlos Sainz\u2019s FW47.<\/p>\n

Aston Martin will give an F1 weekend debut to Jak Crawford, who takes over Lance Stroll\u2019s car after a strong F2 season that has included four wins.<\/p>\n

Ryo Hirakawa will continue his run of outings with Haas, taking Ollie Bearman\u2019s seat for the hour, while Alpine has confirmed Paul Aron will stand in for Pierre Gasly.<\/p>\n

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\u201cI\u2019m looking forward to getting back behind the wheel of the A525 for my latest Free Practice 1 session with the team,\u201d Aron said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez is a very different track to any I have driven.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is high altitude which will make the handling of the car and the setup we choose very different to most other circuits and I\u2019m looking forward to that challenge.\u201d<\/p>\n

The influx of rookies marks one of the largest single-session shakeups in recent seasons, underscoring how teams are rushing to fulfil their rookie running before the season\u2019s final rounds.<\/p>\n

With Sprint formats limiting FP1 time in Qatar and Brazil, and Las Vegas offering little margin for error on its new street circuit, Mexico and Abu Dhabi represent the last realistic chances for teams to tick off their 2025 rookie obligations.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

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