Here is the thing about race weekends: sometimes the most exciting machines on track are the ones carrying tomorrow's stars. That is exactly what we are getting at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez for Free Practice 1, where a fascinating mix of Formula 2 graduates, current title fighters, and future prospects are stepping into Formula 1 machinery for the Mexico City Grand Prix.
Let us start with the rookies making their official F1 race weekend debuts. Gabriele Minì gets the call for Alpine, jumping into Franco Colapinto’s A526 for his first taste of an official session. He is joined by his Formula 2 title rival Nikola Tsolov, who climbs into the Racing Bulls cockpit for his own maiden F1 weekend outing. Meanwhile, the Audi Formula 1 Team hands a debut to Freddie Slater (set to drive for Invicta Racing in 2027), with the youngster stepping in to replace 2024 F2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto.
Others are building on valuable experience already gained this year. Hitech’s Colton Herta returns for his fifth FP1 appearance of the season, taking over Valtteri Bottas's seat for Cadillac. Over at McLaren, 2025 Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli gets another run in an F1 car after previously driving at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya and Spielberg. He shares the asphalt with Luke Browning, who straps into Alex Albon’s FW48 for the full 60-minute session.
The heavy hitters are also resting regulars to give youth a chance. Red Bull Racing confirmed that Ayumu Iwasa takes the place of Max Verstappen, while Mercedes puts Frederik Vesti in for George Russell. Finally, Jak Crawford rounds out the roster at Aston Martin, making his fourth FP1 appearance of the season as he takes the wheel of Lance Stroll’s AMR26.
