F1 Sao Paulo GP: All Reported FP1 Driver Replacements

A total of 10 rookie and reserve drivers participated during Free Practice 1 in the Mexican Grand Prix. Mercedes reserve driver Frederik Vesti was the best among the new FP1 runners, setting the third-fastest time of the session. Ayumu Iwasa, who replaced Max Verstappen, also impressed with a P5 finish. 

Vesti and Iwasa were the only two new FP1 runners who finished in the Top 10.

This weekend in Interlagos, we'll get to see more of these young, talented drivers in the first practice session of the 2026 Formula 1 Sao Paulo Grand Prix.

Due to a miscalculation of his Super Licence points, Herta needs to complete another FP1 session to get to 40 points. He's currently at 39, so he must complete at least 100 kilometers of running this Friday. He will replace Sergio Perez during the session.

Herta's fastest lap in Mexico was 1:21.365, which is 3.237 behind the quickest time set by Ferrari's Charles Leclerc.

Speaking of Leclerc, the Monegasque will miss FP1 due to the birth of his newborn daughter, Bianca, in Monaco. Leclerc will return in Free Practice 2, but his absence paves the way for Beganovic to take over the SF-26.

Beganovic, a Ferrari Driver Academy member and DAMS Lucas Oil driver, is currently sitting in fifth in the Formula 2 standings.

Fornaroli, 21, will participate in his second straight FP1 session, replacing Oscar Piastri. The reigning F2 champion finished 17th in Mexico with a fastest time of 1:20.235.

It's Fornaroli's fifth FP1 appearance this year.

After taking over Franco Colapinto's Alpine in Mexico, Mini will sub in for Pierre Gasly this weekend in Brazil. The young Italian driver's quickest time in Mexico was 1:19.946, good enough for 14th on the grid.

Mini competes for MP Motorsport in F2, and is currently fourth in the Drivers' Standings with a total of 163 points.

After his debut FP1 stint in Mexico, Slater returns on the F1 grid to drive Nico Hulkenberg's R26. Slater finished the practice session in Mexico in P21, with a quickest time of 1:20.945. 

A runner-up in Formula 3 this year, Slater might also soon drive for Invicta Racing in F2, if Rafael Camara decides to forego the remaining races and focus on Haas.

Camara will drive for Haas the entire weekend in Brazil, replacing Esteban Ocon, who has been dropped by the team for the remainder of the season. It's still unclear whether Camara will be tapped for the next races in Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi, or if Haas decides to give another opportunity to Ryo Hirakawa or Jack Doohan.

Browning, who subbed in for Alex Albon in Mexico, will drive Carlos Sainz Jr's Williams this Friday. He finished FP1 last week with a fastest time of 1:20.869, good for only 20th on the grid.