Nine rookie drivers are set to participate in the first practice session at the Mexico Grand Prix, held at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. This exciting event will feature line-up changes from well-known teams, including McLaren, Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull, Williams, Haas, Alpine, and Aston Martin.
New Regulations Allow More Rookie Participation
New Formula 1 regulations mandate that each full-time driver must cede their seat to a rookie in two practice sessions throughout the 2025 season. This is an increase from the previous requirement of one session. The Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez has been a popular venue for rookie outings, with five debutants participating in last year’s event.
Highlighted Rookie Drivers at Mexico Grand Prix
Pato O’Ward – McLaren
- Team: McLaren
- Role: Reserve driver
- Notable Detail: Returns for the second consecutive year, having finished as runner-up in the 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES.
Fred Vesti – Mercedes
- Team: Mercedes
- Role: Test and reserve driver
- Notable Detail: This will be his fourth practice appearance, having debuted in Mexico in 2023.
Antonio Fuoco – Ferrari
- Team: Ferrari
- Role: Development driver
- Notable Detail: Making his debut in Mexico, Fuoco has experience in F1 testing.
Arvid Lindblad – Red Bull
- Team: Red Bull
- Role: F2 racer
- Notable Detail: Returns for his second FP1 session, currently ranked seventh in F2.
Luke Browning – Williams
- Team: Williams
- Role: Rookie driver
- Notable Detail: This is his third FP1 outing, currently holding P3 in the F2 standings.
Jak Crawford – Aston Martin
- Team: Aston Martin
- Role: Young driver
- Notable Detail: Crawford is competing in his first F1 weekend and ranks second in F2.
Ryo Hirakawa – Haas
- Team: Haas
- Role: Reserve driver
- Notable Detail: Completing his fourth FP1 session this season.
Ayumu Iwasa – Racing Bulls
- Team: Racing Bulls
- Role: Rookie driver
- Notable Detail: Competing in his fourth FP1 session, currently racing in Japan’s Super Formula series.
Paul Aron – Alpine
- Team: Alpine
- Role: Rookie driver
- Notable Detail: His fourth FP1 appearance, in contention for a race seat alongside Pierre Gasly.
This first practice session promises to be pivotal for these emerging talents as they gain valuable experience in the high-pressure environment of Formula 1.
