The Spanish Grand Prix weekend will begin with an unusual look in several garages. Seven regular drivers will hand over their cars to young hopefuls during the first free practice session in Barcelona.
F1: The rookie drivers' ball in Barcelona
This initiative is part of the FIA regulations requiring teams to give rookie drivers several opportunities to drive during the season. It's a rare chance for young talents to demonstrate their potential under the watchful eyes of team principals.
Mercedes is betting on Vesti
Leading the world championship after an exceptional start to the season, Kimi Antonelli will not participate in EL1. Mercedes Benz F1 has chosen to entrust its car to the reserve driver Frederick News.
The Dane, who is regularly involved in the German team's development program, will thus benefit from valuable track time on a circuit renowned for revealing the true strengths of the single-seaters.
McLaren offers the F2 champion a chance
At McLaren F1, Lando Norris will give way to Leonardo Fornaroli. The champion of Formula 2 will have the opportunity to discover an F1 single-seater in official conditions and to continue his learning at the highest level.
The British team also hopes to gather useful data ahead of a weekend that looks crucial in the fight for the championship.
Red Bull, Williams and Audi are playing the youth card
On the side of Red Bull, Ayumu Iwasa will take over fromIHadjar bag during this opening session. The Japanese driver is already familiar with the Austrian team's environment thanks to his role in the junior program.
Williams she, for her part, will give her chance to Luke browning, which will replace Alex Albon. The Briton is considered one of the academy's most promising prospects. Williams.
At Audi, Paul Aron will take the wheel usually entrusted to Nico Hulkenberg in order to continue its integration within the German brand's project.
All eyes on Colton Herta
One of the major attractions of these FP1 sessions will be the presence of Colton herta in Cadillac. The American will replace Sergio Perez and will make one of its first official outings as part of the future team's F1 program.
He has a large following in the United States after his successes in IndyCar. Herta could use this session to further strengthen his candidacy for a full-time seat in the future.
Ferrari is putting its faith in Dino Beganovic
Finally, on the side of... Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton will give up his boat to Dino BeganovichHe will also continue his apprenticeship with Classic Ferrari for sale during free practice. A member of the Ferrari Driver Academy for several years, the Swedish driver is considered one of the most promising prospects in the Maranello program. This new opportunity will allow him to gain valuable experience behind the wheel of an F1 car and demonstrate his progress to the Scuderia's management.
Confirmed replacements for FP1 in Barcelona : Mercedes: Frederik Vesti instead of Kimi Antonelli, McLaren: Leonardo Fornaroli instead of Lando Norris, Red Bull: Ayumu Iwasa instead ofIsaac Hadjar, Williams: Luke Browning instead of'Alex Albon, Audi: Paul Aron instead of Nico Hülkenberg, Cadillac: Colton Herta instead of Sergio Perez, Ferrari: Dino Beganovic instead of Lewis Hamilton
With seven simultaneous changes, the first free practice session of the Spanish Grand Prix promises to be one of the most scrutinized of the 2026 season.
Dino Beganovic (Ferrarri)
Paul Aron (Audi) and Ayumu Iwasa (Red Bull)
