Williams have announced that reserve driver Luke Browning will take part in FP1 at the Italian Grand Prix, stepping for Alex Albon.
The Briton joined the Williams Driver Academy in 2023 and has made multiple appearances for the team as part of their mandated rookie running, beginning with FP1 at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Since then, he has driven in a further four practice sessions and was promoted to the role of reserve driver at the start of 2026, balancing his team duties with a campaign in Japan’s Super Formula.
Browning was initially scheduled, to get behind the wheel of FW48 in both Barcelona and Austria this season, and while an electrical issue forced him to sit out of the former, he place P18 in FP1 at the Red Bull Ring with a deficit of three-tenths to Albon.
Under F1’s regulation, every full-time driver is required to step aside for a rookie – defined as someone who has started no more than two Grands Prix – in two practice sessions across the season.
The 24 year old has completed important work on the simulator in what has been a tough year for Williams, with late development and a distinct lack of pace causing them to linger towards the back of the field.
I’m thrilled to have another chance to drive an FP1 session with Atlassian Williams F1 Team. It’s a great opportunity to get invaluable laps in the FW48 while building my understanding of the car and helping to bring useful data and feedback back to Grove. Each session teaches you something new, and I want to take every bit of learning I can from this to keep pushing my development and the team forward. For this weekend, it’s about supporting Williams to help maximise the result here in Monza. Browning on the news.
Alpine have confirmed that reserve driver Paul Aron will participate in another Free Practice 1 outing for the team at this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix.
Aron has previously been in action during three practice sessions so far in 2026, with the first in Barcelona and Austria being with Audi as part of an agreement between the two teams.
The Estonian went on to drive for Alpine in Hungary and will again get behind the wheel of the A526 when Friday’s track running kicks off in Monza, sitting in for Pierre Gasly.
From there Aron will embark on a busy weekend, as he will head back to the team’s Enstone base for simulator work in the evening after his FP1 run in order to help with fine-tuning the car’s set up.
I am looking forward to driving again in Free Practice 1 with the team this weekend. I am grateful to the team for giving me the opportunity to get back behind the wheel so soon. I was very pleased with my session in Budapest, and I hope to build on it this time around, particularly helping the team compare our latest upgrade package which I have driven in the simulator. It’s going to be a busy weekend for me as I’ll be on the simulator at Enstone on Friday night to further help the team fine tune the set-up before returning to the track on Saturday. I’ll give it my all to hopefully assist the team in having a successful weekend. Aron on the FP1 appearance.
McLaren have announced that Leonardo Fornaroli will make his second F1 practice outing in Hungary this weekend, with the team also set to run a batch of upgrades on the MCL40.
A back-to-back F3 and F2 champion, Italian racer Fornaroli first appeared over an F1 weekend at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya last month, building on several private tests in older machinery by taking to the wheel of Lando Norris’ car through FP1.
Fornaroli, 21, will this time replace Oscar Piastri for the opening 60 minute session around the Hungaroring, giving the McLaren Development Driver some more valuable mileage as he grows into the role.
McLaren’s latest development including a new floor and other aerodynamic parts, which will be assessed throughout Friday practice.
Meanwhile, during FP1 only, the team will trial a developed version of the experimental rear wing that was due to be tested on the Friday of the Austrian Grand Prix. However, it is not scheduled to be introduced fully in Hungary or the following race in the Netherlands.
I’m looking forward to driving the MCL40 in this weekend’s Free Practice 1 at the Hungaroring. Every session is a chance to learn more, gain confidence and contribute to the team’s programme for the weekend. I’ve been very busy in Woking over the past few weeks preparing this session in both the simulator and at the Optimum Nutrition McLaren Performance Hub, to make sure I’ll be ready as I can. I’m really grateful to everybody at the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team for all the support they’ve given to me so far. I can’t wait to get out on track on Friday, have fun and make the most of every lap to help the team. Fornaroli on the news.
Heading to Hungary, we’re looking forward to a very different challenge at the Hungaroring and the final race before the summer shutdown. It’s a circuit that demands a high-downforce package and rewards confidence under braking, strong corner entry and good traction, while the combination of hot temperatures, relentless corners and limited straights makes tyre management a key factor. As always this season, we’ll also be focused on getting the most from our power unit deployment across the lap and understanding how the revised overtaking characteristics influence strategy. We have an upgrade package arriving this weekend too, and in such a competitive season every development is important so it will be great to gather further understanding on how those parts perform throughout Free Practice. Our aim is to maximise everything we have available, carry positive momentum into the shutdown and put ourselves in the strongest possible position for the second half of the championship. Randy Singh, Senior Director of Racing at McLaren.
Aston Martin have confirmed that their third driver, Jak Crawford will participate in another Free Practice 1 outing for the team at this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix.
Crawford has made two FP1 appearances so far in 2026 – having gotten behind the wheel of Fernando Alonso’s car in Japan, before driving in place of Lance Stroll more recently in Austria – while he also experienced two runs for the team in the latter stages of the 2025 season.
For the American’s third session of the season – which will also fulfil Aston Martin’s third rookie practice run of the four that each team is required to complete during the campaign – Alonso will step aside to allow Crawford to drive the AMR26.
Crawdord has also taken part in testing for Aston Martin, which included a recent Pirellli tyre test in Barcelona during June.
Prior to taking on his third driver role at the team, Crawford ended the 2025 Formula 2 Championship in second place, having collected four wins and eight podiums with DAMS Lucas Oil.
Aston Martin have announced that their third driver, Jak Crawford, will take part in his latest Free Practice 1 session at the Austrian Grand Prix.
It will mark Crawford’s fourth FP1 appearance for Aston Martin and his second of the 2026 season, after Japan, while ticking off the second of the team’s four mandated rookie practice runs for the year.
Off the back of a Pirelli tyre test with the team in Barcelona earlier this week, Crawford is due to take over Lance Stroll’s AMR26 for the opening one-hour session at the Red Bull Ring – a circuit he knows well from his F2 and F3 campaigns.
It comes two year after the American’s first experience in an Aston Martin F1 car, when he tested the AMR22 in June 2024.
It’s great to have another opportunity to drive the AMR26 during a race weekend. Austria is a circuit I know well and it’s quite special to be returning to the Red Bull Ring with the team, almost two years after my first test in an Aston Martin F1 car. I’ve spent a lot of time in the simulator this season supporting the team and recently completed the tyre test in Barcelona, so I’m looking forward to applying that work on track. Every opportunity in a Formula 1 car is valuable, and I’ll be focused on delivering useful feedback and maximising the session for the team. Crawford on the opportunity.
Jak continues to play an important role as Third Driver and this FP1 session is another valuable step in that process. He has been heavily involved in our simulator programme throughout the season and recently completed productive running during the Pirelli tyre test in Barcelona. Austria provides another opportunity for us to evaluate his progress in a race weekend environment while gathering valuable data for the team. Mike Krack, Aston Martin’s Chief Trackside Officer
After an intense start under the new regulations that made every lap in the new cars extra valuable for their full time drivers. Formula 1 teams have started to fulfil their required rookies outings at this weekend’s Barcelona Grand Prix.
Here are the drivers who have already been announced as participating in FP1 in the seventh round.
Leonardo Fornaroli – McLaren Replacing: Lando Norris
Back-to-back Formula 3/ Formula 2 Champion, Fornaroli, was picked up by McLaren as its reserve this year – and is now getting his first practice outing.
He could’ve hardly have done more in F3 and F2, but given he’s not racing this year, he faces the unenviable task of staying at the forefront of F1 teams’ minds, through impressing in practice will undeniably help.
Frederik Vesti – Mercedes Replacing: Kimi Antonelli
Vesti was the F2 runner-up three years ago, and his racing future now clearly lies in the endurance racing instead – where he has been forging a career with Cadillac.
He has established himself as a significant player in Mercedes F1 programmed, described by Toto Wolff, as “an important part of our development work with the W17”.
Ayumu Iwasa – Red Bull Replacing: Isack Hadjar
The 24 year old is increasingly becoming Red Bull’s go to practice driver across its two teams having had considerable success racing in Red Bull colours in various category – but never truly entering the frame for an F1 call-up.
He is the formal Racing Bulls test and reserve driver, and is currently working to defend his maiden title in the prestigious Super Formula category in Japan.
Dino Beganovic – Ferrari Replacing: Lewis Hamilton
Sixth – but only 20 points down on the standings leader – in F2 this year, 22 year old Beganovic will carry out his third practice outing with Ferrari in Barcelona.
Ferrari has two juniors on the cusp of F1 readiness in Beganovic and Rafa Camara but it’s line-up doesn’t appear likely to change in the immediate future.
Luke Browning – Williams Replacing: Alex Albon
Williams reserve Browning, will be in Albon’s car at Barcelona and then in Carlos Sainz’s car at the Red Bull Ring.
An outside F2 title contender last year in his rookie season, Browning has now switched to Super Formula this year and has been competitive.
He is clearly the F1-readiest prospect on Williams’ books, but will need to make a big impression in FP1 sessions to be first in line for a future seat.
Paul Aron – Audi Replacing: Nico Hulkenberg
Aron, is an Alpine reserve – but was already loaned by the English-French team to what was then Sauber for a pair of practice outings last year. This arrangement will continue again, at the Red Bull Ring.
After making waves as an F2 rookie in 2024, Aron didn’t race last year and has no full-time programme this year either – instead supporting Alpine’s efforts.
His prospects of an Alpine seat look far from straightforward given this would likely require Alpine to move on from Franco Colapinto – who has been on a good run of form.
Colton Herta – Cadillac Replacing: Sergio Perez
Ex-Indycar star Herta, will dovetail a first F1 practice outing with the full F2 round at Barcelona.
Cadillac and Herta have made no secret of their ambition to get him into an F1 seat, with the experience-gathering Indycar to F2 switch for this year aimed at no other goal but acquainting him with the tracks, the paddock and topping up his superlicence points tally.
Adjusting to F2 has proven tough – not unexpectedly so given Herta had left the European single-seater scene in 2026 and he is only 13th in the Standings at present.
Cadillac have announced that Colton Herta will make his practice debut with the team at the upcoming Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix.
American Herta, 26 is currently combining an F2 race seat with a test driver role at Cadillac’s new for 2026 outfit, as the former IndyCar racer pushes towards a planned F1 debut in the future.
After appearing in FP1 at the Spanish venue, Herta will tackle three other Friday sessions – in place of regular drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez 0 over the course of the season.
Herta will be back in action at the upcoming Miami Grand Prix weekend, with F2 being added to the schedule for the event – as well as the Canadian F1 round that follows.
I can’t wait to get behind the wheel of the Cadillac Formula 1 Team car for the first time. I am looking forward to working closely with the team in a full Grand Prix environment and am fully focused on learning from every appearance. I hope I can contribute to the overall race weekend and help the team, Checo [Sergio] and Valtteri as much as possible. Herta on the news.
Colton is a top talent, which he has not only proved by building an impressive resume in the NTT IndyCar Series before joining us, but also with a strong start to his Formula 2 season. Completing all four of our young driver FP1 sessions is a natural next step in his test driver role, and I look forward to seeing what he can bring in terms of development and focus. Graeme Lowdon, Cadillac’s F1 Team Principal.
A first official F1 outing in Cadillac colours is coming up for @ColtonHerta! 🙌
United States racer Jak Crawford will make his Formula 1 weekend debut at the 2025 Mexico City Grand Prix when he gets a rookie run-out for Aston Martin.
Crawford will take over the AMR25 of Lance Stroll during Free Practice 1 at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, in one of the team’s four mandated rookie outings for 2025.
Crawford is currently P2 in the Formula 2 standings – while the Houston, Texas born driver has a wealth of experience in F1 machinery, having racked up over 2,000km of testing in various Aston Martin F1 cars, as well as being a regular in the team’s simulator at their Silverstone headquarters.
Crawford is not the only rookie taking part in the FP1 sessions, with nine different rookies taking part.
I’m thrilled to drive the AMR25 next week in Mexico for my first official Formula One session. I’ve worked closely with the team all year, so to now take the next step and get track time on a Grand Prix weekend is really exciting. Announcing this in Texas, where I’m from, makes it even more special after a busy week with the team and Aramco in Houston. Crawford on the news.
It’s fantastic to give Jak the opportunity to take part in FP1 in Mexico. He’s shown real maturity and provided strong technical feedback throughout the year, and these sessions are an important part of how we develop young talent. Jak has had a strong season in Formula 2 and has been a key contributor to the development of both the AMR25 and AMR26. This is a great chance for him to continue progressing while helping us gather valuable data. Andy Cowell, CEO and Team Principal of Aston Martin.
F2 title contender and Williams Racing Academy Driver, Luke Browning will take part in the first practice session for the Mexico City Grand Prix.
Browning will be taking over the wheel of Carlos Sainz’s FW47 for the opening 60 minute session at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, fulfilling the third of four mandated rookie driver runs for Williams this year.
It is set to mark his second outing in Williams’ 2025 challenger following an FP1 appearance in Bahrain earlier this year, which came after Browning’s F1 practice debut at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
He has also driven the FW45 extensively in the squad’s TPC (Testing of Previous Cars) programme, while providing additional support through simulator development work.
Browning is currently involved in a close fight for the F2 title, holding third in the standings on 161 points with two rounds to go – behind Aston Martin development driver Jak Crawford on 169 points and leader Leonardo Fornaroli on 188 points.
I’m hugely grateful to be given another chance to drive in a free practice session with Williams and to experience the FW47 for a second time. I’ve been working hard to prepare for the session so I can make the most of this amazing opportunity and help the team plan for the race weekend ahead. I can’t wait to get back into an F1 car and I’m incredibly grateful to everyone in the Driver Academy and at Williams for their trust and support. Browning on the news.
Luke has had a strong season in Formula 2 so far, consistently showing his pace across a range of circuits and racing conditions. He has continued to support the team through his simulator work and the TPC programme, preparing him well for his next free practice session. We look forward to seeing him take to the track in Mexico as he continues to build his experience as a Williams Racing Academy Driver. Sven Smeets, Williams’ Sporting Director.
Ireland’s Alex Dunne will return to drive for McLaren in first practice at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza on Friday.
Dunne, 19, starred in his debut practice outing earlier this year in Austria when he was fourth in the session and within one tenth of Oscar Piastri in equal machinery.
The teenager was the first Irish driver to compete in an F1 weekend in 22 years and will also continue his Formula 2 campaign in Monza, where he is fifth in the standings.
All 10 Formula 1 teams must run a rookie in at least four practice sessions this season. McLaren have already announced IndyCar star Pato O’Ward will get an outing at his home event in Mexico City in October and are likely to complete the rookie requirements in Abu Dhabi with a driver yet to be confirmed.
Alpine Reserve Driver, Paul Aron will make his free practice debut at the upcoming British Grand Prix weekend with Kick Sauber after the rival teams came to an agreement to share his driving services.
The Estonian driver, who competed in Formula 2 last season, is not racing competitively this year, with his focus currently helping Alpine with simulator work as they try and claw their way back up the standings from P10 in the Championship.
Alpine entered the 2025 F1 Season with plenty of driving talent in reserve. While Ryo Hirakawa soon departed for Haas, the Enstone-based squad still have Jack Doohan alongside Aron – the Australian had started the year in a full-time race seat but was swapped out in favour of Franco Colapinto ahead of the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix.
The agreement Alpine have reached with Kick Sauber will release Aron for two FP1 sessions this season, with every team having to give up four FP1 sessions across the year.
Kick Sauber only need to give up two FP1 sessions this season, as they are running a designated rookie in their other car in Gabriel Bortoleto. As such, Aron will replace Nico Hulkenberg at Silverstone and in Budapest.
I am very pleased to be given the opportunity to have valuable track time in Formula 1, so thanks to BWT Alpine Formula One Team for coming to this arrangement. It is no secret that my desire is to one day race full-time in Formula 1 so any chance to be on track in a competitive environment is an important stepping stone. While I continue to focus on my development with Alpine, I do look forward to the two sessions with Kick Sauber and giving my maximum effort to them at Silverstone and Budapest. Aron on the news.
It is in our interests to maximise any driving opportunities for our young talent, so it is good to have an agreement with Sauber for Paul to drive in Free Practice 1 in Silverstone and Budapest. We are seeing varied success from last year’s Formula 2 drivers this year up and down the grid, and Paul was a front runner in that category, so this is an opportunity for him and the team to continue his progress and to give him valuable track time. Briatore on the news.
McLaren have confirmed that Formula 2 standings leader, Alex Dunne will take part in Free Practice 1 at the 2025 Austrian Grand Prix.
Dunne, a member of the McLaren Driver Development Programme since May 2024, will get behind the wheel of the MCL39 in the weekend’s opening session in place of Lando Norris, in which he becomes the first Irish driver to take part in an F1 weekend for 22 years.
The 19 year old currently races for Rodin Motorsport in F2, as he sits three points ahead of second placed Richard Verschoor in the standings, while he also serves as Reserve and Development Driver for the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team.
Dunne began karting at eight years old, and secured his first European karting title in the 2019 WSK Champions Cup OKJ Category. He then made his single-seater debut in the 2021 Spanish F4 Championship, securing pole position and a podium on his debut.
In his 2022 season, he picked up a combined 16 race wins whilst competing in the British, UAE and Italian Formula 4 Championships, earning him the British F4 Championship, before going on to earn the vice-champion title in the GB3 Championship the following year.
Dunne then moved onto Formula 3 for 2024 with MP Motorsport, where he finished 14th in the Drivers’ Standings, before stepping up to F2 this season.
It’s an amazing opportunity to be able to drive during FP1 in Austria. I’m really looking forward to getting laps in behind the wheel of the MCL39 and supporting the team with the setup for the race weekend ahead. I’ve been preparing well for the sessions, taking part in Testing of Previous Cars tests in the MCL60 and spending time on the simulator, which has been a fantastic learning experience. Thank you to Zak [Brown], Andrea [Stella] and Alessandro [Alunni Bravi] for their faith in me. It’s a great step within my development with the McLaren Driver Development Programme, and I’m really excited to join the team trackside. Dunne on the news.
It’s great to be able to give Alex the opportunity to run in Free Practice 1, and for him to get valuable time behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car as part of his development. The team are pleased to be working with him more closely, and for his support across the weekend, where he will be providing useful feedback to help with the car’s set-up. The rookie sessions are fantastic for seeing the talent of tomorrow and enabling that rare chance to get time in a current car, so we look forward to seeing him on track. McLaren Team Principal, Andrea Stella.
Dino Beganovic will be driving for Ferrari in replacement of Charles Leclerc, in the first free practice session at this weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix.
It marks the second time that Beganovic has replaced Leclerc so far this season, with the Monegasque also making way in FP1 at the Bahrain Grand Prix in April.
Beganovic is currently competing in his first full season of F2, with the Hitech GP team, claiming two podium finishes across the opening 12 races of 2025. The Swedish driver is a champion in Formula Regional European as well as being a race winner in Formula 3.
The 21 year old has been a member of the Ferrari Driver Academy since 2020, and took his first steps in F1 machinery this year, representing the Scuderia in a TPC (Testing of Previous Car) test in Barcelona in January.
Haas have confirmed Ryo Hirakawa will replace Esteban Ocon during FP1 at the Spanish Grand Prix this weekend.
The Japanese driver will get his second first practice run out with the American team at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, having deputised for Ollie Bearman in Bahrain.
That came the week after Hirakawa stood in for Jack Doohan in the weekend-opening session at Suzuka, before promptly leaving Alpine early the following week to rejoin Haas, where he enjoyed test and reserve opportunities last season.
The 31 year old is expected to also compete in FP1 in Mexico and Abu Dhabi later this year, which will satisfy the team’s four rookie session requirements.
Hirakawa has strong links to the Banbury-based squad due to his ties to Toyota, which is a technical partner of the team.
Williams have confirmed that Victor Martins will participate in an F1 race weekend for the first time at the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix, by getting behind the wheel of the FW47 during Free Practice 1.
Martins who joined the Williams Driver Academy in March – is currently competing in his third Formula 2 season, during which he has so far scored a podium in the Saudi Arabia Feature Race as well as taking pole position in Melbourne.
The Frenchman previously won a closely-fought title fight in the 2022 Formula 3 campaign, beating drivers including Isack Hadjar and Ollie Bearman to take the crown at the Monza season finale.
Following his progression to F2, Martins helped the ART Grand Prix to secure their first F2 teams’ title in 2023 and went on to claim five podiums in 2024, which included a victory in Barcelona.
In preparation for his FP1 debut, Martins took part in the TPC (Testing of Previous Cars) programme in Monza earlier this year where he drove the FW45 alongside fellow Williams Racing Academy driver Luke Browning.
Martins’ FP1 appearance will mark the second of the team’s four mandated young driver sessions of the season, with Browning having previously been in action during first practice in Bahrain.
I’m super happy to be taking the wheel of the FW47 for the first time in Barcelona! It will be an incredible experience to drive for the team. I’m working hard to prepare as much as possible to maximise my time in the car and make it a valuable session for myself and the team. I’m hugely grateful to everyone at Atlassian Williams Racing for giving me this opportunity and I’m looking forward to enjoying every second of it! Martins on the news.
We’re proud that Victor will be taking part in his first Formula 1 session with Atlassian Williams Racing in Barcelona. He continues to demonstrate that he is a talented driver, and this session is an important step forward in his career as part of the Academy. His participation in our TPC programme and simulator work in Grove have prepared him well and we look forward to seeing him in the garage this weekend. Sven Smeets, Sporting Director at Williams.
Luke Browning will be making another Formula 1 free practice session appearance with Williams in Bahrain this weekend.
The Formula 2 racer, will be taking over Carlos Sainz’s car in Friday’s opening session, having made his F1 practice debut with Williams in Abu Dhabi at the end of last year.
Last week, he drove the team’s FW45 car from 2023 at Monza alongside fellow F2 racer Victor Martins, who recently joined the Williams Academy.
Browning has been part of the Williams Academy since 2023, during that time he also drove the FW46 at the post-season young drivers’ test last year.
Currently he is competing in FIA Formula 2 Championship in his first full campaign, after he took part in six races last season after finishing third in the FIA Formula 3 Championship.
Being given another opportunity to drive in a free practice session with Williams is a dream come true, and I’m getting more and more confidence each time I drive the car. My main aim for FP1 is to get more comfortable with the procedures and environment that come with F1, and to build on my experience from Abu Dhabi last December. I’m excited to feel the progression from the FW46 to the FW47 and I feel incredibly grateful to James [Vowles], Sven [Smeets] and the team at Grove for entrusting me with the car. I’m excited to feel the progression from the FW46 to the FW47 and I feel incredibly grateful to James [Vowles], Sven [Smeets] and the team at Grove for entrusting me with the car. Browning on the news.
Luke has made strong progress since his first F2 weekend last year and scored good points in the opening race of the season in Australia. His previous FP1 experience, participation in our TPC [testing of previous cars] programme, and simulator work have prepared him well for this weekend and we look forward to seeing him take this next step forward in his development. Williams Sporting Director, Smeets.
Fernando Alonso will be sitting out for the first free practice session at this weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix.
The two-time champion makes way for reserve driver Felipe Drugovich for the hour as one of the FP1 sessions by a rookie driver.
Having stood in for Lance Stroll at the Sakhir International Circuit during pre-season testing in 2023, Drugovich knows his way around the track in an Aston Martin car.
The 24 year old has competed in numerous FP1 sessions for the Silverstone team since winning the Formula 2 Championship in 2022.
I’m very happy to be getting out in the F1 car again, especially so early in the season. I’ve been preparing on the simulator to get a feel for the car, and Bahrain is a track I know well and really enjoy driving. I’m excited to contribute and give the team the data they need to perform at their best this weekend. Thanks to the whole team for their continued support. Drugovich on the news.
We’re pleased to offer Felipe this opportunity to drive the AMR25 in Bahrain. He has been an integral part of our team’s simulator programme at the AMRTC and consistently provides valuable and insightful feedback that helps drive the development of the car. Felipe is a trusted pair of hands, and we’re confident he’ll do a great job in FP1 and contribute to our preparations for the race weekend. Andy Cowell, CEO and Team Principal.
Frederik Vesti will be driving for Mercedes in the opening session for this weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix.
Mercedes’ test and reserve driver, will be taking over George Russell’s W16 for FP1 at the Bahrain International Circuit, having already assisted the squad with simulator work at Brackley this year.
This is the Dane’s third appearance in a grand prix weekend, having also driven in FP1 for Mercedes in Mexico and Abu Dhabi in 2023.
This year, he is dovetailing his Mercedes commitments with a drive in the IMSA Sports Car Championship with the factory backed Action Express Cadillac team.
New for 2025 signing, Andrea Kimi Antonelli has already fulfilled the requirements for Mercedes in Australia and China, but now that the Italian has completed two grands prix, he is no longer considered a rookie for this purpose.
The Sakhir circuit is seen as an ideal venue for F1 teams to bring in newcomers, as they already have a substantial amount of data from the track during pre-season testing in February.
I am really looking forward to getting my first taste of the W16 in FP1 in Bahrain. Being able to put all of my simulator work into practice on the track is a really exciting prospect for me. At the start of the year, I set myself the goal of maximising every chance I get behind the wheel of an F1 car in 2025, and that is what I hope to achieve in Bahrain. I will be doing everything I can to help the team, George, and Kimi get set for the rest of the weekend. I am grateful to Mercedes for once again giving me this opportunity. Vesti on the news.
Dino Beganovic will be making his official Formula 1 debut during the first practice session of the Bahrain Grand Prix.
This will take place alongside his existing responsibilities in F2 as he and Hitech TGR ready themselves for a busy weekend.
The Swedish driver taking part in FP1 will begin to fulfill Charles Leclerc’s obligation to hand over his car to a rookie for two sessions this season, but will also make him a fifth member of Ferrari’s famous Driver Academy to join an official F1 weekend.
Beganovic began racing in karts in his home country, quickly establishing himself as a talented driver within Europe. On joining Formula 4 in 2020, he immediately proved his talent when he finished third in the Italian race with PREMA.
He was able to quickly ascend through the junior formulas, with his hard work bearing fruit with 13 podiums, four race wins and an FRECA championship to his name in 2022.
Moving on to Formula 3, he finished sixth in the drivers’ standings in both 2023 and 2024 seasons, and at the end of the year had a taste of F2, where he scored a podium finish with DAMS Lucas Oil at the Yas Marina sprint race. Currently he sits 15th in the standings with Hitech TGR after the Australian season opener.
Alpine have announced that Ryo Hirakawa – one of their reserve drivers for 2025 – will get behind the wheel of the A525 in front of his home crowd during Free Practice 1 at the Japanese Grand Prix.
Hirakawa – who previously enjoyed his debut practice run with McLaren at last year’s season finale in Abu Dhabi – has extensive experience across different categories of motorsport, having competed in various single-seater and endurance championships.
This saw him take victory in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2022, while he is also a two-time Hypercar champion in the FIA World Endurance Championship.
Now, after previously testing Formula 1 machinery for McLaren and Haas, Hirakawa will get his first taste of a 2025 car during his home event at the Suzuka Circuit, with the 31 year old set to take over Jack Doohan’s challenger for the session.
I’m very excited, I can’t wait to drive the A525 in Free Practice 1 this weekend. I’m looking back to 18 years ago to 2007, the first time I went to watch the Japanese Grand Prix, it was a different track, Fuji, but it was Formula 1 in Japan. Since then, I started my racing career and now to drive during the weekend is going to be a dream come true, I just can’t wait. I have got everything prepared, we did simulator work in Enstone a few days ago and I’m going to enjoy the moment. Hopefully the weather is good, it will be a short session, but I will enjoy it and do my best for the team to hopefully input some direction on set-up. I just want to add my appreciation to everyone at the team for the opportunity and support. Hirakawa on the news.
Mercedes junior, and next year’s replacement for Lewis Hamilton, Kimi Antonelli, will get back behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car as he takes part in his second FP1 session of the season in Mexico.
The 18 year old Italian will take over Hamilton’s W15 in Mexico City, having also driven on Friday at Monza in September. However, the session in Italy came to an early end as a high-speed crash saw him put his borrowed car into the Monza wall just minutes into his debut.
The crash had no bearing on Mercedes’ decision to promote the youngster, with Antonelli confirmed as Hamilton’s replacement at the Silver Arrows the very next day.
Antonelli is currently competing in Formula 2, where so far he has took two wins and 3 podiums, he currently sits sixth in the drivers’ championship with two rounds to go!
FIA regulations state all F1 drivers must sit out one FP1 each season for a rookie who has no more than two Grand Prix starts.
I’m looking forward to driving in FP1 and playing my part in helping the team make a good start on track this weekend. It is a new circuit for me and one I have been working hard to prepare for. The altitude makes it unique and it’s a challenge I’m excited to experience. I want to thank the team for giving me this opportunity to contribute. Antonelli on the outing.
Aston Martin have announced that test and reserve driver, Felipe Drugovich will make another free practice appearance for the team at the upcoming Mexico City Grand Prix.
Brazilian racer Drugovich, is set to driver Fernando Alonso’s car during Friday’s opening session, partially fulfilling the requirement for each team to run a rookie driver in two FP1’s per season.
It will mark Drugovich’s first outing in the AMR24, which he has helped develop through simulator work at Aston Martin’s factory. He add’s to past FP1 runs in Abu Dhabi in 2022 and Italy and Abu Dhabi last season.
I’m really excited to drive the AMR24 for the first time – I’ve been looking forward to it for a while! I’ve spent a lot of the year working on the development of this car in the team’s simulator, so it will be valuable for me to feel the correlation between the sim and the real thing. Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez is a track I haven’t driven before. It’s a challenging circuit with a mix of long straights and technical corners, so I’ll be spending time on the simulator ahead of the event so that I’m ready to go come FP1. Drugovich on the news.
We’re excited to give Felipe this first opportunity to drive the AMR24 during Free Practice 1 in Mexico City. Felipe is regularly in Silverstone on our simulator, contributing towards the development of this car with his detailed and thoughtful feedback, so it will be a rewarding experience for him to get out on track in Mexico. During the session, Felipe will be working his way through the team’s run plan, collecting vital data to support our decision-making throughout the rest of the weekend and aiding with the set-up of the car. Mike Krack, Aston Martin Team Principal.
McLaren reserve driver Pato O’Ward will be getting behind the wheel of the MCL38 in front of his home crowd during FP1 at the Mexico City Grand Prix.
The Mexican driver – who has been dovetailing his role as reserve with his driving duties for Arrow McLaren in IndyCar – will be getting the opportunity due to F1 teams being required to run a young driver in two FP1 sessions per season.
O’Ward, who earned promotion to McLaren’s reserve driver pool for the 2024 season, has had experience of F1 machinery before having taken part in several development tests in the team’s 2021 car.
The 25 year old has also driven in the 2021 young driver test in Abu Dhabi and also drove in FP1 at both the 2022 and 2023 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekends.
The Mexican finished 5th in Indy Car this year with 3 wins to his name and 460 points aswell.
The Mexico City Grand Prix weekend takes place from October 25th – 27th with McLaren currently leading the constructors’ championship as well as battling Red Bull in the drivers’ championship too.
I’ve got some pretty exciting news to tell you all today. I will be joining McLaren Formula 1 at the Mexican Grand Prix but this time around I will be jumping in the car for FP1. I cannot wait, this really is a dream come true for me – being able to jump into an F1 car in front of my home crowd. I can’t thank Andrea [Stella], Zak [Brown] – the whole team – enough for this amazing opportunity. The car’s been a rocket this year so [I’ll be] trying to do my part and help them as much as I can for the rest of the year. Can’t wait to get going and I’m actually flying over to Europe at the end of this week to start all my Formula 1 duties. I can’t wait. O’Ward on the news.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has confirmed that protege Kimi Antonelli will be making his Formula 1 weekend debut on home soil at the upcoming Italian Grand Prix, with the youngster being handed a practice run.
Formula 2 racer Antonelli, who turned 18 on Sunday, has been widely tipped to replace Lewis Hamilton as George Russell’s team mate from the 2025 campaign, though Mercedes are yet to formally announce their plans.
What Wolff has now confirmed, however, is that their junior driver will be given a chance to appear for Mercedes during Friday’s first practice session at Monza next weekend, as one of the two outings teams are required to fulfil each season.
It comes amid a rapid rise for Antonelli, who has impressed on the junior scene via successive titles in Italian F4, ADAC F4, Formula Regional Middle East and Formula Regional European over the last two years.
He is currently competing in F2, where with a solid run of early-season points finishes paved the way for breakthrough Sprint and Feature Race victories at the recent Silverstone and Hungaroring rounds.
Kick Sauber have confirmed that Robert Shwartzman will get behind the wheel of Valtteri Bottas’ car to participate in Free Practice 1 at the Dutch Grand Prix.
Shwartzman – who acts as a reserve driver for Ferrari – is set to jump in the C44 when the second half of the 2024 season kicks off at Zandvoort on August 23rd.
This isn’t Shwartzman’s first FP1 appearance, with the 24 year old previously taking part in sessions for Ferrari during the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
After winning the Formula 3 championship with PREMA Racing in 2019, Shwartzman went on to drive for the squad in Formula 2 from 2020 to 2021, finishing in fourth and second place of the drivers’ standings respectively.
Since then the Russo-Israeli driver has competed in sports cars as well as racing in the World Endurance Championship with Ferrari.
Under Formula 1’s current regulations, each team must run a rookie in two FP1 sessions each campaign, and Shwartzman’s appearance will mark Kick Sauber’s first young driver outing of 2024.
After announcing the news, Kick Sauber stated: “As in previous occasions, we work in partnership with Scuderia Ferrari to give young talent an opportunity in practice sessions. Good Luck, Robert!”
F2 racer Isack Hadjar will turn out for Red Bull in FP1 at the British Grand Prix weekend, taking over Sergio Perez’s RB20.
The Red Bull junior currently sits second in the 2024 F2 standings in what has been an impressive campaign so far for the 19 year old, with feature race victories in Melbourne and Imola particular highlights.
The French driver’s upcoming appearance in first practice at Silverstone is his latest outing with F1 machinery, having made two FP1 appearances in 2023 – one for AlphaTauri in Mexico and one for Red Bull in Abu Dhabi.
He will be joining some of his other F2 colleagues in FP1 with Franco Colapinto turning out for Williams, while Ollie Bearman will also be making another practice appearance for Haas. Alpine reserve driver, Jack Doohan, who race in F2 last year and finished third, will also be getting behind the wheel of Pierre Gasly’s car as he pushes for a seat on the 2025 grid.
With a packed schedule over the British Grand Prix weekend, Hadjar will have to dovetail FP1 duties with Red Bull alongside his F2 duties for Campos Racing but it’s a chance he will surely relish.
Under F1’s current regulations, each team must run a rookie in two FP1 sessions each campaign.
Alpine have confirmed that Jack Doohan will make his second FP1 outing of the Formula 1 season at the British Grand Prix weekend.
Doohan previously drove Esteban Ocon’s A524 in FP1 in Canada, but was only able to complete three laps – without setting a time – due to the wet weather seen in Montreal that day. But the Australian will get a second chance behind the wheel – this time Pierre Gasly’s car – during FP1 at Silverstone.
A former FIA Formula 3 runner-up and the third-placed driver in last year’s F2 standings, with the 21 year old continuing to push for a drive with Alpine on next year’s F1 grid.
The team currently have one seat vacant for 2025 following the confirmation, in the run-up to the Austrian Grand Prix that Pierre Gasly has committed his future to the team with a new multi-year extension. With Ferrari driver, Carlos Sainz still to decide on his future, and Alpine reported to be interested in securing his services, Doohan’s Silverstone opportunity gives him another chance show his talent.
In addition to his FP1 outings and simulator duties at Enstone, Doohan – son of former 500cc motorcycle world champion Mick – has also completed several test sessions with Alpine over the last couple of years in his quest to become a full time member of the F1 grid.
Alpine have announced that reserve driver, Jack Doohan will take Esteban Ocon’s place during Friday’s opening free practice session at the Canadian Grand Prix.
Under the sport’s current regulations, each F1 team must run a rookie in two FP1 sessions each campaign.
Doohan has made four practice appearances as an Alpine junior so far, getting his first experiences in Mexico and Abu Dhabi in 2022 and making further outings at the same venues in 2023.
A former FIA Formula 3 runner-up and the third-placed driver in last year’s F2 standings, the Australian’s latest run comes as he pushes to secure a full-time seat with Alpine.
Alpine announced on the eve of this weekend’s Montreal event that they will part ways with Esteban Ocon at the end of the current campaign, ending a five-year collaboration. It means that at least one seat is available at the Renault-backed operation for next season, with incumbent Pierre Gasly’s place beyond 2024 yet to be confirmed.
In addition to his four FP1 outings, and simulator duties at Enstone, Doohan has completed several test sessions with Alpine over the last couple of years – the latest coming in their 2022-spec A522 at Zandvoort last month.
Really excited to get out on track in Montreal for FP1. It will be my first time driving at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, which I am looking forward to. I am grateful to the team for the opportunity to get more track time, and also familiarise myself with 2024 machinery early in the season. This will also help with the work I am doing in the simulator, particularly at the European rounds. My focus will be on doing the best for the team and maximising the session for both drivers, looking at certain test items and understanding the new track surface. Doohan on the news.
RB have announced that Super Formula racer Ayumu Iwasa will make his Formula 1 weekend debut at the Japanese Grand Prix by appearing in free practice with the team.
Iwasa, 22, is set to drive Daniel Ricciardo’s car during FP1 at Suzuka next week, meaning an all-Japanese RB line-up alongside Yuki Tsunoda for the opening session.
Iwasa finished fourth in last year’s F2 standings, where he took three race victories and three further podiums across the season, along with one pole position. He made the move to the Japan-based Super Formula championship for 2024, scoring points on debut at the Suzuka opener earlier this month.
While the outing will mark Iwasa’s practice debut, it will not be his first time in an F1 car, having driven for the then-named Alpha Tauri at last year’s F1 post-season test in Abu Dhabi.
Under F1’s current regulations, each team must run a rookie – by definition a driver who has started two or fewer Grand Prix – in two FP1 sessions over the course of each campaign.
Williams are set to fulfil their final remaining rookie Free Practice 1 outing of 2023 by running their academy driver Zak O’Sullivan in Abu Dhabi – with the Briton and fellow Williams Driver Academy member Franco Colapinto to share driving duties at the subsequent post-season Young Driver Test.
Since 2022, F1’s regulations have included a mandatory pair of FP1 outings per year for drivers who have completed less than two Grands Prix, with each team’s race driver obliged to give up their seat once.
Williams running rookie Logan Sargeant in 2023 used up one of those requirements for the team in Bahrain’s FP1 – while O’Sullivan’s Abu Dhabi experience is set to fulfil the second, the Briton to take over Alex Albon’s Williams FW45 in the final Free Practice 1 session of the year.
I’m really excited to participate in FP1 at Abu Dhabi. I can’t wait to get behind the wheel of the FW45 for the first time and get some good mileage under my belt. In addition to that, I’m returning to the car for the post-season rookie test to further my development with the team.
O’Sullivan on the news.
As O’Sullivan mentions, he will then be run by Williams at the post-season Young Driver Test at the Yas Marina Circuit, sharing driving duties with fellow F3 racer Colapinto – who claimed P4 in the standings in 2023.
The Argentinian driver will also make his Formula 2 debut in Abu Dhabi, ahead of his and O’Sullivan’s promotion to the series in 2024 with MP Motorsport and ART Grand Prix respectively.
Both Zak and Franco have had impressive seasons in Formula 3. We’re now looking forward to giving them the opportunity to drive the FW45 in Abu Dhabi to aid their development as part of their roles in the Williams Racing Driver Academy. The pair have demonstrated a high level of understanding and maturity during their simulator work conducted at Grove. I know they’ll both be working hard in preparation for this experience and will make the most of it.
Jordan's Track Talk 