As Formula 1 heads to Mexico City for the upcoming Grand Prix weekend, fans can expect a fresh lineup of young and talented drivers to grace the track during the FP1 sessions. Five promising rookies are set to replace established stars, giving them a chance to showcase their skills and gain valuable experience on the challenging circuit.
Oliver Bearman – Haas:
One of the notable names to watch out for is 18-year-old British driver Oliver Bearman, affiliated with the Ferrari Driver Academy. Bearman, already a race winner at Formula 2 level, will be piloting one of the Haas cars, although the team has yet to confirm whether it will be Kevin Magnussen or Nico Hulkenberg making way for him. His involvement in the Qatar Grand Prix weekend and testing an old Ferrari car at Fiorano has prepared him for this exciting opportunity.
Jack Doohan – Alpine:
Australian racer Jack Doohan, son of motorsport legend Mick Doohan, is no stranger to the world of motorsports. The 20-year-old, with previous F2 experience, will be driving in FP1 sessions for Alpine, providing crucial insights to the team and fellow driver Pierre Gasly. Doohan’s familiarity with F1 cars positions him well to offer valuable feedback.
Isack Hadjar – AlphaTauri:
French-Algerian racer Isack Hadjar, backed by Red Bull’s young driver program, will be making his FP1 debut for AlphaTauri. Currently sitting 14th in the F2 championship, Hadjar’s talent and potential have impressed Red Bull’s Helmut Marko, making this opportunity a significant step in his career. His appearance will see regular driver Yuki Tsunoda taking a backseat in the first practice session.
Theo Pourchaire – Alfa Romeo:
Leading the F2 championship standings, French driver Theo Pourchaire is poised for success. Despite his strong position, Pourchaire will step into Valtteri Bottas’s shoes in Alfa Romeo’s FP1 session in Mexico. After a debut showing in Austin last year, Pourchaire is eager to make an impression, strengthening his case for a future in Formula 1. He has already been confirmed as the team’s reserve driver for 2024, showcasing Alfa Romeo’s confidence in his abilities.
Frederik Vesti – Mercedes:
As the chief contender for the F2 title, Danish driver Frederik Vesti has a crucial role to play in the Mercedes camp during the Mexican GP weekend. With 25 points behind Pourchaire, Vesti aims to support Mercedes in setting up their cars effectively. His experience behind the wheel of an F1 car will be invaluable, providing essential feedback to help George Russell navigate the challenges of the temperamental W14 car in practice sessions.
Formula 1 enthusiasts can look forward to an exciting FP1 session in Mexico as these young talents step up to the plate, ready to prove their worth on the demanding Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez circuit. Stay tuned for thrilling action and potential glimpses of the sport’s future stars in action this Friday.
