All F1 rookies confirmed for the Hungarian Grand Prix FP1 session

Photo: Race Pictures
Tobia is a Formula 1 journalist at GPblog with experience at international circuits. Since 2022, he has covered Grands Prix across Europe, delivering reliable coverage and insights from the paddock.
The opening practice session of the Hungarian Grand Prix will see several full-time drivers, including representatives from both the frontrunning teams and the midfield, hand over their cars to rookie drivers. Here is the full list of the young talents set to take to the track during Friday afternoon's FP1 session.
McLaren, Haas, Alpine and Cadillac are the four teams set to temporarily alter their driver line-ups for the opening practice session, before their regular race drivers return to the cockpit for the remainder of the weekend, starting with Friday's FP2.
Starting with the reigning Constructors' Champions, McLaren will hand Oscar Piastri's car to reigning Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli. The Italian has already gained experience behind the wheel of the MCL40 during a TPC test in Barcelona and previously took part in an FP1 session at the Spanish Grand Prix, replacing Lando Norris.
At Cadillac, Colton Herta will also return to the cockpit after making his FP1 debut in Barcelona earlier this season. This time, the American will temporarily replace Valtteri Bottas for the opening practice session in Hungary, with Sergio Perez remaining in his car as normal before Bottas returns for the rest of the weekend.

Photo: Race Pictures
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At Haas, meanwhile, Oliver Bearman will make way for Japanese driver Ryo Hirakawa during the opening practice session. Hirakawa already has FP1 experience with the American team this season, having taken over Bearman's car at the Austrian Grand Prix just a few weeks ago.
Finally, Alpine reserve driver Paul Aron will take part in his third FP1 session of the season. The Estonian previously gained track time with Audi in both Barcelona and Austria, and will now return to the cockpit for the opening practice session in Hungary. A complete overview of all the FP1 driver changes can be found be
| Team | Rookie driver | Driver replaced | Previous FP1 appearances in 2026 |
| McLaren | Leonardo Fornaroli | Oscar Piastri | Spanish Grand Prix, replacing Lando Norris |
| Cadillac | Colton Herta | Valtteri Bottas | Spanish Grand Prix |
| Haas | Ryo Hirakawa | Oliver Bearman | Austrian Grand Prix |
| Alpine | Paul Aron | Franco Colapinto | Spanish and Austrian Grands Prix with Audi |
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