Alpine hands F2 talent his first Grand Prix weekend outing in Mexico
Photo: Race Pictures
Kada Sárközi joined GPblog as an editor ahead of the 2023 Formula 1 season. He graduated with a BA in Sports Journalism in the UK and has covered Grands Prix and other F1 events live.
Formula 2 driver Gabriele Mini is set to drive for Alpine during the first free practice session of the upcoming Mexico City Grand Prix next Friday.
Alpine Academy and MP Motorsport driver Mini is set to make his first-ever FP1 appearance at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. Franco Colapinto will hand over his A526 for the first 60 minutes of the weekend.
Mini is excited to have the opportunity to drive during the next F1 Grand Prix weekend. He said: "I'm looking forward to getting behind the wheel of the A526 and taking part in my first ever Free Practice 1 in Formula One. Having been part of the Alpine Academy for several years and progressing through the junior ranks, competing in an official Formula One session is going to be a really special moment for me.
"Thank you to Flavio, Steve and everyone at the team for their trust and for the opportunity. I've been doing a lot of preparation back at base in Enstone, spending time on the simulator and working closely with the engineers to make sure I'm as ready as possible and able to put my best foot forward both personally and for the team."
Photo: Race Pictures
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He added: "My goal is to do the best possible job on track and help provide valuable data and feedback to the team to hopefully set-up a successful weekend, where both Pierre and Franco aim to score points by the end of it."
Multiple rookies to drive in FP1 at the Mexico City Grand Prix
Max Verstappen is among the full-time drivers who will not participate during the opening session of the weekend, as Ayumu Iwasa will replace the four-time world champion.
At McLaren, Leonardo Fornaroli is also set to make another FP1 appearance. The Italian will replace Oscar Piastri. Meanwhile, Luke Browning will drive for Williams, replacing Alex Albon. George Russell will also hand over his W17 to Frederik Vesti on Friday.
Cadillac has also given Colton Herta an opportunity to secure his FIA Super Licence. According to the team's calculations, the American is one point short of the 40 required, and he could earn that final point in Mexico.
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