Barcelona FP1: the complete list of rookies joining the session

Rookie running gathers pace in Barcelona

After an intense opening phase under Formula 1’s new regulations, teams are finally moving in numbers to complete their required rookie FP1 outings at the Barcelona Grand Prix. With every early-season lap in the new cars carrying significant value for full-time race drivers, the seventh round now becomes a key opportunity to hand mileage to emerging and reserve talent.

The Barcelona schedule will feature a broad spread of stand-in drivers across the grid, with McLaren, Mercedes, Red Bull, Williams, Audi and Cadillac all confirming FP1 changes.

McLaren and Mercedes turn to established junior assets

Leonardo Fornaroli will make his first F1 practice appearance with McLaren, replacing Lando Norris. The 21-year-old, a back-to-back Formula 3 and Formula 2 champion, joined McLaren as reserve this year and now faces the delicate task of making an impression without overreaching. Given McLaren’s current position, a race seat there appears remote, but a strong FP1 could help keep him visible for future opportunities elsewhere. More detail on his programme is available in our related report on Fornaroli’s McLaren FP1 debut in Barcelona.

Mercedes will run Fred Vesti in place of Kimi Antonelli. Vesti, 24, has already completed four FP1 sessions and was F2 runner-up three years ago. Although his racing future now appears centred on endurance racing with Cadillac, Toto Wolff has described him as "an important part of our development work with the W17", underlining his value within Mercedes’ F1 structure.

Ferrari replaces Hamilton with Beganovic

Hamilton's car will be handed over to Dino Beganovic, who has been part of the Ferrari Driver Academy for several years.

The Swedish driver had two FP1 outings with Barcelona last year in Bahrain and Austria, respectively.

“Putting on the red race suit, getting back behind the wheel, and working closely with the engineers and mechanics is something unique, so I’m really looking forward to Barcelona,” Beganovic said.

“I have great memories from last year’s FP1 and I want to build on that experience and put everything together this time."

Red Bull, Williams and Audi assess familiar names

Ayumu Iwasa will replace Isack Hadjar for Red Bull. The 24-year-old Japanese driver has become a regular practice option across Red Bull’s two teams and is formally Racing Bulls’ test and reserve driver. His record suggests he has earned further F1 consideration, though the source material indicates that would require a shift in Red Bull’s thinking.

At Williams, Luke Browning takes Alex Albon’s car in Barcelona before later stepping into Carlos Sainz’s car at the Red Bull Ring. The 24-year-old reserve, competitive in Super Formula after an F2 rookie season as an outside title contender, appears the most F1-ready prospect on Williams’s books.

Audi will run Paul Aron in Nico Hulkenberg’s seat. The 22-year-old Alpine reserve previously appeared for Sauber on loan and will do so again at Barcelona and the Red Bull Ring. His Alpine prospects remain complicated, particularly with Franco Colapinto described as being on a good run of form.

Herta begins Cadillac’s F1 track push

Colton Herta will make his first F1 practice outing with Cadillac, replacing Sergio Perez, while also contesting the full F2 round. Cadillac and Herta have been clear about their ambition to move him toward an F1 seat, but his F2 adaptation has been difficult, leaving him 13th in the standings for now.