Nikola Tsolov and Ayumu Iwasa replace Lawson and Verstappen in Mexico

Tsolov replaces Lawson

Nikola Tsolov takes the VCARB 03 at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez for his first official race weekend experience. Racing Bulls must run a rookie in the first practice session to fulfill a 2026 sporting regulation that requires every team to provide at least four rookie outings per season. This session completes the requirement for Racing Bulls because Arvid Lindblad drove in Australia and China, while Ayumu Iwasa drove in Austria. Liam Lawson sits out this session to allow the 19-year-old Bulgarian driver to gain experience. Lawson, who has 77 points this season and finished ninth in Austin, remains uncertain about his 2027 status with the team. This ninth-place finish in Austin was his 13th points finish of the season. Lawson said over the United States Grand Prix weekend that he has still yet to hear whether or not he will continue with Racing Bulls next season. The team has not made an announcement regarding its 2027 driver line-up, but Lawson and Arvid Lindblad are understood to be in the frame along with Tsolov. Tsolov currently holds second place in the Formula 2 standings and is understood to be the driver pushing hardest for a Formula 1 seat within the Red Bull stable. He previously completed 690 kilometres and 143 laps in a 2025-specification VCARB 02 during a test in Imola this August. That test was what qualified him for this FP1 outing. Team principal Alan Permane says running Tsolov is an important step in his development within the Red Bull Junior Programme. The session provides the team a first direct comparison between the two drivers in the same car, at a time when the 2027 decision is still open. Tsolov told reporters, "A big thank you to VCARB for giving me this opportunity in Mexico." He said he will focus on providing useful feedback.

Verstappen and Iwasa

Ayumu Iwasa replaces Max Verstappen for the first practice session at the Mexico City Grand Prix to fulfill Red Bull Racing’s rookie quota. This session will be the eighth FP1 appearance for the Japanese driver, who is the reigning Super Formula champion. The FIA requires teams to provide at least four opportunities to run rookies, who are defined as drivers who have completed no more than two Grand Prix starts during their careers. Verstappen and teammate Isack Hadjar have faced persistent radio issues and poor race starts despite recent wins at Sepang and Singapore. Verstappen and Red Bull secured wins at Sepang and Singapore before picking up another podium at last weekend’s United States Grand Prix. This has not solved all problems for the Milton Keynes-based squad, as poor race starts and radio issues continue to plague the Dutchman and his teammate Isack Hadjar. Iwasa previously drove the RB22 at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya and Monza, while he stepped into the Racing Bulls car in Austria. He finished fourth in the 2023 Formula 2 championship. This will be his second run in Mexico following his appearance for Racing Bulls last year. Red Bull Racing aims to satisfy the mandate through these sessions, and there is anticipation that Isack Hadjar may run in all three hours of practice in the sister RB22.

Other rookie drivers and schedule

Several other teams have announced changes for the first practice session in Mexico. George Russell sits out for Fred Vesti at Mercedes, and Colton Herta replaces Valtteri Bottas at Cadillac. This happens on a weekend where Kimi Antonelli could become F1’s youngest world champion. Luke Browning returns to a cockpit for Williams, while Jak Crawford will drive for Aston Martin. Freddie Slater is scheduled for Audi, and Gabriele Mini will drive for Alpine. Ryo Hirakawa will take a seat for Haas, and the session will also include Leonardo Fornaroli. The roster of drivers scheduled to appear in the session includes Fred Vesti, Leonardo Fornaroli, Gabriele Mini, Ryo Hirakawa, Freddie Slater, Luke Browning, Jak Crawford and Colton Herta. Specifically, Fred Vesti will drive for Mercedes, Freddie Slater for Audi, Luke Browning for Williams, and Jak Crawford for Aston Martin.