Every FP1 rookie driver in the 2026 F1 season

As part of the rules to give young, rookie drivers more relevant on-track running, changes were made ahead of 2025. 

Previously, teams were required to put a rookie driver in for one FP1 session throughout the year on both cars, for a total of two sessions.

For 2025, this was changed to two times per season per car, for four in total. To qualify, a rookie driver must have started two or fewer grands prix.

Below is a full list of how every team stands with its rookie driver sessions thus far in 2026.

LAST UPDATED: Following the 2026 Monaco Grand Prix. This article will be updated after every Friday FP1 session where an FP1 driver has stepped in. 

McLaren - 0/4

Neither Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri have stepped out for an FP1 session thus far in 2026.

However, Leonardo Fornaroli, the reigning F2 champion, will drive Norris's car in FP1 at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix. 

Mercedes - 0/4

Mercedes is to use its first mandatory session for Fred Vesti during FP1 at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix. 

He will replace Kimi Antonelli, who must step out for one more session during the year, with George Russell, requiring both. 

Red Bull - 0/4

Red Bull's first FP1 session of the year will come for Ayumu Iwasa in Barcelona when he deputises for Isack Hadjar. 

Max Verstappen is still required to complete both of his FP1 sessions. 

Ferrari - 0/4

Like most teams, Ferrari is planning to take its first FP1 session in Barcelona, with Dino Beganovic getting the nod in place of Lewis Hamilton.

He therefore must miss one more FP1 session and Charles Leclerc, both. 

Williams - 0/4

Williams has outlined its plan for half of its FP1 sessions with Luke Browning.

He is to replace Alex Albon in FP1 in Barcelona, before moving over to take Carlos Sainz's FW48 in Austria. 

It leaves Albon and Sainz with one session apiece to miss.

Racing Bulls - 2/4

With Arvid Lindblad the only rookie on the 2026 F1 grid, he completed his two FP1 sessions in Australia and China as he had not started more than two grands prix. 

Liam Lawson will step out for two FP1 sessions later in the year. 

Aston Martin - 1/4

Aston Martin was the first team to complete an FP1 session, with this coming in the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka. 

Jak Crawford stepped in for Fernando Alonso, meaning the veteran has just one more session to miss, with Lance Stroll yet to step out. 

Haas - 0/4

Neither Esteban Ocon nor Ollie Bearman has stepped out for an FP1 session as of the Monaco Grand Prix, meaning all four sessions are required by Haas.

Audi - 0/4

Paul Aron is to deputise for Nico Hulkenberg at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, which will be Audi's first session of the year. 

Gabriel Bortoleto must also take both of his sessions. 

Alpine - 0/4

Neither Pierre Gasly nor Franco Colapinto has stepped out for an FP1 session as of the Monaco Grand Prix, meaning all four sessions are required by Alpine.

Cadillac - 0/4

In Barcelona, Colton Herta is to finally make his F1 weekend debut, taking Sergio Perez's MAC-26 for a drive.

Perez will step out for one more FP1 session in the year, with Valtteri Bottas requiring both.