Italian rookie Gabriele Minì set for debut FP1 session at Mexican Grand Prix
Gabriele Minì will take part in his first Formula 1 free‑practice 1 session during the Mexico City race, marking a key step in his progression with the Alpine Academy.
Italian driver Gabriele Minì, a 2023 Formula 2 race‑winner and member of the Alpine Academy, will step onto the Formula 1 grid for his inaugural free‑practice 1 (FP1) session at the upcoming Mexican Grand Prix in Mexico City. The announcement was reported by AutohebdoF1, which confirmed that Minì will run a short stint in the Alpine‑powered car on Friday, 23 October, ahead of the sprint qualifying and the main race.
Why the FP1 debut matters
FP1 sessions are limited to drivers who have not yet competed in a Grand Prix weekend, giving young talent a chance to experience the pace and handling of an F1 car without the pressure of qualifying or the race. For Minì, who finished third in the 2023 FIA Formula 2 Championship and earned a podium in the 2024 Formula 2 season, the opportunity is a clear indicator that Alpine sees him as a potential future race‑driver. The team will likely use the session to evaluate his feedback on the car’s aerodynamics and tyre performance, while also giving him exposure to the high‑altitude conditions of the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez.
Mexico City’s circuit is renowned for its thin air, which reduces downforce and places extra strain on engines. Drivers often report a distinct feeling of reduced grip, and teams must adjust their aerodynamic setups accordingly. Minì’s stint will therefore be a valuable learning experience, allowing him to adapt his driving style to the unique challenges of a high‑altitude venue.
What Indian fans can expect
The Mexican Grand Prix is scheduled for 23‑24 October, with the FP1 session slated for 09:30 IST on Friday. Indian viewers can watch the entire weekend live on FanCode, which holds the official streaming rights for the 2024 season. The sprint qualifying will follow at 13:30 IST, and the main race will start at 20:00 IST on Saturday, offering a full day of action for fans across the sub‑continent.
Minì’s appearance adds an extra storyline to a weekend already featuring a tight championship battle between Max Verstappen and his rivals, as well as a potential showdown between Ferrari and Mercedes. For Indian audiences, the FP1 session provides a glimpse of the next generation of drivers who could shape the sport’s future.
Source: AutohebdoF1