Lando Norris and Max Verstappen are among 10 Formula 1 drivers who will miss first practice for the Mexico City Grand Prix this Friday.
During the season, each Formula 1 team must run a rookie in at least two practice sessions for both of their cars and the relative simplicity of the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez – which is not a street circuit, nor is the race a Sprint event – means most teams are taking the opportunity to fulfil the requirements.
Only Ferrari will run both full-time drivers for the opening session of the weekend, live on Sky Sports F1 at 6.30pm on Friday.
Verstappen will be replaced by Ayumu Iwasa, who drove for Red Bull in first practice in Barcelona and Monza earlier this year.
Reigning F1 world champion Lando Norris will hand his McLaren to Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli and George Russell will be on the sidelines for Mercedes reserve driver Frederik Vesti.
Formula 2 title contender Nikola Tsolov will make his F1 practice debut in place of Liam Lawson at Racing Bulls, who are the only team to not announce any of their 2027 drivers.
Lawson’s impressive season and Arvid Lindblad’s solid rookie campaign means many people are expecting Racing Bulls to retain the same line-up, but that would leave up and coming star Tsolov without a seat.
Former IndyCar star Colton Herta wlll have a fifth practice outing of the season at Cadillac, Jak Crawford will complete his fourth Aston Martin appearance of 2026 and Britain’s Luke Browning will be in Alex Albon’s Williams.
Formula 2 driver Gabriele Mini will make his F1 practice debut and Haas’ Ryo Hirakawa returns in place of Esteban Ocon.
British teenager Slater to make F1 practice debut in Mexico
British teenager Freddie Slater will make his Formula 1 practice debut for Audi in Mexico on Friday in Gabriel Bortoleto’s car.
Slater, who became the first signee to the Audi Driver Development Programme, will also feature in practice at the Sao Paolo Grand Prix next week.
The 18-year-old finished as runner-up in the 2026 Formula 3 championship, with his strong campaign featuring a streak of eight podiums in eight weekends.
“We have seen Freddie making great progress throughout recent years, both on and off the track; it is the right time for Freddie to step up,” said Audi racing director Allan McNish.
“These appearances in Mexico and Brazil will give him valuable experience of a Formula 1 race weekend, and another chance to continue his development before he steps up to Formula 2 next season. We are looking forward to seeing him in the R26 and supporting him through these two important FP1 sessions.”
Audi junior Freddie Slater will make his first F1 practice outing in Mexico (Credit: Audi Revolut F1 Team)
Slater added: “Getting behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car at a Grand Prix weekend is a big moment for me and something I’ve been dreaming of since I was a kid.
“I’ve learned a lot this year, and these Free Practice outings with Audi Revolut F1 Team will be another opportunity to keep gaining on-track experience.
“I’m really looking forward to getting out on track: my focus will be on doing the best job I can, helping the team with its programme and taking as many learnings as possible from both sessions.”
Sky Sports F1’s live Mexico City GP schedule
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Look back at some of the most dramatic moments to have taken place at the Mexico City Grand Prix
Thursday October 29
8pm: Drivers’ Press Conference
11pm: Paddock Uncut
Friday October 30
6pm: Mexico City Grand Prix Practice One (session starts at 6.30pm)*
8pm: The F1 Show
9pm: Team Bosses’ Press Conference
9.30pm: Mexico City Grand Prix Practice Two (session starts at 10pm)*
Saturday October 31
5.15pm: Mexico City Grand Prix Practice Three (session starts at 6.30pm)
8pm: Mexico City Grand Prix Qualifying build-up
9pm: MEXICO CITY GRAND PRIX QUALIFYING
11pm: Ted’s Qualifying Notebook
Sunday November 1
5pm: F1 Academy Race 3
6.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Mexico City GP build-up
8pm: THE MEXICO CITY GRAND PRIX*
10pm: Chequered Flag: Mexico City GP reaction
11pm: Ted’s Notebook
*also on Sky Sports Main Event
Formula 1 next heads south for the second leg of The Americas triple-header with the Mexico City Grand Prix this weekend, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime
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