Which rookie drivers are getting FP1 outings at the Hungarian Grand Prix?

No fewer than five of F1’s 11 teams will run a rookie driver during Friday’s first practice session for the Hungarian Grand Prix, with McLaren, Mercedes, Alpine, Haas and Cadillac all altering their usual line-ups.

As per 2025, the regulations mandate that every full-time F1 driver must make way for a rookie – viewed as someone who has started no more than two Grands Prix – in two practice sessions across the season.

So, who exactly will be out on track this weekend? F1.com provides an overview of the changes with some background on each rookie…

Leonardo Fornaroli – McLaren

Leonardo Fornaroli is set for a second F1 weekend on-track appearance in Hungary, having made his FP1 debut with McLaren at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix last month.

Italian racer Fornaroli, 21, joined McLaren’s Driver Development Programme after winning the 2025 F2 title, and holds reserve duties with the outfit – providing back-up to Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.

Fornaroli, who has also gathered experience in older McLaren and Haas machinery, will replace Piastri for the opening 60-minute session in Budapest, having taken over Norris’ car in Barcelona.

Fred Vesti – Mercedes

Replacing F1 championship leader Kimi Antonelli during FP1 will be Fred Vesti, who became Mercedes’ sole reserve driver for the 2026 campaign after spending more than five years as part of the Silver Arrows.

Having been linked with teams like Williams and Cadillac for a full-time seat in recent seasons, the Dane has turned his attention to endurance racing and currently competes in the IMSA SportsCar Championship.

He has plenty of experience in F1 practice sessions, having made five outings since 2023, but will again – as per his chance in Barcelona – face the extra pressure of driving a title contender’s car.

Paul Aron – Alpine

After being loaned out to Audi in Barcelona and Austria, Alpine reserve driver Paul Aron will appear with the Enstone-based team for the first time this season at the Hungarian Grand Prix.

The 22-year-old Estonian made his practice debut with Sauber at the 2025 British Grand Prix when the squad came to an arrangement with Alpine. He repeated this in Hungary before driving for Alpine in Monza, Mexico City and Abu Dhabi, and then took part in his second young drivers’ test.

Since finishing third in the 2024 F2 championship, Aron has dedicated his time to Alpine, where he is supporting Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto – the latter making way during FP1 around the Hungaroring.

Ryo Hirakawa – Haas

Entering his second FP1 session of 2026 – after Austria – is Japan’s Ryo Hirakawa, who will drive Ollie Bearman’s Haas for the opening practice hour in Budapest.

As well as being the American squad’s test and reserve driver, 32-year-old Hirakawa has competed in various categories of motorsport and is currently racing in the World Endurance Championship with Toyota.

Colton Herta – Cadillac

Like Fornaroli, Colton Herta made his FP1 debut at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, turning out for 2026 newcomers Cadillac, where he serves as a test driver.

After gaining extensive experience in IndyCar, the 26-year-old American made a highly-anticipated move to F2 for the 2026 season and currently sits 16th in the standings with 26 points.

Herta, who is set to take part in two more practice sessions this year after Hungary, will hop into Valtteri Bottas’ MAC-26, having used Sergio Perez’s car in Spain.