Which rookies are getting FP1 outings at the Mexico City Grand Prix?

A total of eight rookie drivers will be in action during Friday’s first practice session at the Mexico City Grand Prix, with McLaren, Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull, Williams, Haas, Alpine and Aston Martin all making line-up changes for FP1.

Under F1’s regulations, every full-time driver is required to make way for a rookie – viewed as someone who has started no more than two Grands Prix – in two practice sessions across the 2025 season, an increase on the one mandated last year.

The Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez has previously been a popular choice for these outings, with five rookies participating in the opening practice hour at last year’s event – including one who will make their return this time around...

Pato O’Ward – McLaren

McLaren reserve driver Pato O'Ward will again get behind the wheel at his home event for the second year running.

The Mexican – who finished the 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES as runner-up for Arrow McLaren at the end of the summer – was confirmed to drive one of the squad’s MCL39 machines at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez back in May.

As well as gaining valuable track time during the weekend, 26-year-old O’Ward will provide set-up feedback and support for full-time drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.

Fred Vesti – Mercedes

Replacing George Russell at Mercedes during FP1 will be Fred Vesti, with the squad’s test and reserve driver set to make his fourth practice appearance for the Silver Arrows.

Vesti previously made his F1 weekend debut in Mexico back in 2023, before another outing followed later that year in Abu Dhabi. While Kimi Antonelli fulfilled the team’s rookie running in 2024, Vesti returned to action this season for FP1 in Bahrain.

Alongside his simulator duties for Mercedes, the 23-year-old Dane has been competing in the IMSA Sportscar series this year and recently claimed back-to-back victories in the category.

Antonio Fuoco – Ferrari

Over at Ferrari, Antonio Fuoco will be making his maiden practice outing in Mexico City. The Italian is set to replace Lewis Hamilton as he gets behind the wheel of the SF-25.

As well as acting as a development driver for the team, 29-year-old Fuoco races in the World Endurance Championship for Ferrari AF Corse and was previously part of the team to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2024.

Fuoco has taken part in F1 testing sessions for the Scuderia in the past, including an appearance at last year’s end-of-season test in Abu Dhabi.

Arvid Lindblad – Red Bull

F2 racer Arvid Lindblad will participate in his second FP1 session for Red Bull at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, having previously driven the RB21 during the British Grand Prix weekend in July.

While he replaced Yuki Tsunoda on that occasion, the British driver will step in for Max Verstappen this time around.

With two rounds remaining in the 2025 Formula 2 campaign, 18-year-old Lindblad currently sits in seventh place of the Drivers’ Championship, with three podiums – including two wins – to his name so far.

Luke Browning – Williams

Carlos Sainz is set to hand his Williams FW47 over to Luke Browning for the first practice session of the Mexico City Grand Prix weekend.

This will be 23-year-old Browning’s third FP1 outing, the Briton having previously gotten behind the wheel in Bahrain earlier this year as well as at the 2024 season finale in Abu Dhabi.

Like Lindblad, Browning – a member of the Williams Racing Driver Academy – is currently racing in Formula 2, where he holds P3 in the Drivers’ standings.

Jak Crawford – Aston Martin

Aston Martin Young Driver Jak Crawford will be in action for the team during Free Practice 1, marking the 20-year-old’s debut F1 weekend appearance.

Crawford is set to drive Lance Stroll’s AMR25 for the session and arrives into the event with plenty of mileage for the squad under his belt, having logged more than 2,000km of testing in the AMR22, AMR23 and AMR24 cars.

The American racer has clinched four wins so far during the 2025 Formula 2 campaign, putting him in second place of the Drivers’ Championship.

Ryo Hirakawa – Haas

At Haas, Ollie Bearman is sitting out FP1 while reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa makes his fourth practice outing of the season.

After starting the season as part of the Alpine stable – during which time he participated in first practice for the Enstone-based outfit at Suzuka – Hirakawa joined Haas in April, with the Japanese racer going on to make FP1 appearances for the American squad in Bahrain and Barcelona.

It will not be 31-year-old Hirakawa’s final showing of the campaign, either, as he will also be in action during the opening practice hour at the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

Paul Aron – Alpine

And finally, Paul Aron will be driving the Alpine A525 in first practice in Mexico.

The Estonian, who was third in the F2 championship last year, will take Pierre Gasly's car for the session.

It will be 21-year-old Aron's fourth FP1 appearance of the year, after he drove for Sauber at Silverstone and the Hungaroring, and in Monza for Alpine.

This weekend's outing could be crucial for Aron who, according to team boss Flavio Briatore, is in contention to take the second race seat alongside Gasly for next year.