Rookies Get a Chance in FP1 at Mexico City Grand Prix

In a move that highlights the growing emphasis on nurturing young talent, the 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix will see a full‑time driver line‑up give way to a group of rookies during Friday’s first practice session (FP1). According to the official Formula 1 website, ten of the 20 full‑time drivers will be replaced by a mix of junior, test and reserve drivers, giving the next generation a rare opportunity to gain track time on the demanding Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez circuit.

The rookies slated to take the wheel include the likes of Lando Norris’s teammate, Oscar Piastri, who will drive the Alpine A523 for the first time, as well as the young test drivers from the Red Bull and Mercedes academies. The decision comes as the FIA and teams push for a more inclusive approach to driver development, allowing these aspirants to showcase their skills in a real race environment. The drivers will be paired with experienced race engineers and will have access to the same data and telemetry that the full‑time drivers use, ensuring a fair learning experience.

From a strategic standpoint, teams are using this session to evaluate the performance of their reserve drivers under race‑day conditions, which can be invaluable when it comes to selecting the best candidate for a full‑time seat in the future. The Mexican circuit, with its high altitude and long straights, presents a unique set of challenges that can help these rookies gauge their adaptability and pace in a high‑pressure setting.

For Indian fans, the Mexico City GP will be available live on FanCode from 3:30 PM IST, with the FP1 session starting at 10:00 AM local time (5:00 PM IST). This gives viewers the chance to watch the rookies in action and see how they handle the demanding track before the race weekend’s main events. Keep an eye on the live commentary for insights into how the young drivers are performing and whether any of them might be on the cusp of a future full‑time seat.

Source: Formula1.com