Several leading drivers will again climb out of their cars for first practice (FP1) at the Mexico City Grand Prix. Mercedes' George Russell and McLaren's Lando Norris are among those handing their seats to rookies and reserves, and title contender Russell rejoins for FP2. FP1 starts at 12:30 local time (18:30 UTC) on Friday 30 October.
FP1 driver changes
Reports from GPFans, Grande Prêmio and Speedcafe point to the swaps below. The table only includes changes carried by at least two outlets; the points where reports differ are covered underneath. The outlets stress that the list is not the final entry list and may change.
| Team | FP1 driver | Regular driver sitting out |
|---|---|---|
| Mercedes | Frederik Vesti | George Russell |
| McLaren | Leonardo Fornaroli | Lando Norris |
| Alpine | Gabriele Minì | Franco Colapinto |
| Williams | Luke Browning | Alex Albon |
| Audi | Freddie Slater | Gabriel Bortoleto |
| Aston Martin | Jak Crawford | Lance Stroll |
| Racing Bulls | Nikola Tsolov | Liam Lawson |
The Tsolov entry rests on Speedcafe's report and Formula1.com's list of rookie outings. Formula1.com describes Tsolov as being in a close F2 title fight with Rafael Camara. Speedcafe said the single appearance does not decide Racing Bulls' 2027 line-up.
Where reports disagree
Formula1.com and Speedcafe agree that Colton Herta runs for Cadillac, but GPFans says he replaces Valtteri Bottas while Speedcafe does not name the driver. For Red Bull, Speedcafe says Ayumu Iwasa takes Max Verstappen's car, while another outlet called it a rumour. Only Speedcafe reports that Ryo Hirakawa drives Esteban Ocon's Haas. On Ferrari, some outlets list Dino Beganovic for FP1, with either Lewis Hamilton or Charles Leclerc missing out, whereas Speedcafe reports no swap and both regular drivers running. None of this is officially confirmed.
Why it happens
Article 1.7.3.c of the 2026 sporting regulations requires every full-time driver to give up their seat twice during a Friday practice session. That gives each team four opportunities a season, two per car. The track sits at roughly 2,200 metres, where power-unit cooling and downforce are demanding, and the regular drivers will prepare for qualifying in FP2 and FP3.
The title angle
This weekend is also when Kimi Antonelli can clinch the championship. Formula1.com says a top-nine finish makes him champion whatever else happens, and tenth is enough unless Russell wins the race. Russell sitting out FP1 is a regulation requirement, and GPFans says the regular drivers are expected back from FP2.
Sources
- GPFans — George Russell sidelined as multiple F1 teams confirm Mexico driver shake-up
- Grande Prêmio — Mexico GP grid reshuffled for Friday practice as Colapinto, Albon and Russell step aside
- Speedcafe — Nikola Tsolov to replace Liam Lawson in Mexico practice
- Formula1.com — It's race week: 5 storylines ahead of the 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix