Mexico City GP 2026: Verstappen reported out of FP1

Motorsport.com reports Max Verstappen will sit out Mexico City Grand Prix FP1 for Red Bull’s rookie-run requirement. He is fourth on 236 points.

Motorsport.com reports that Max Verstappen will step aside for Red Bull in first practice at the Mexico City Grand Prix as the team works through its required rookie FP1 runs. The change is not confirmed in the supplied material, so it remains a reported plan rather than an official announcement.

The same report said teams must give rookies at least four FP1 appearances, with a rookie defined here as a driver with two or fewer Formula 1 starts. Verstappen comes into this stage of the 2026 season fourth in the drivers' championship on 236 points. Across 2015-2026, the Dutch driver has 242 starts, 71 wins, 51 poles and 129 podiums, while Red Bull has won 130 Grands Prix and six constructors' titles since entering Formula 1 in 2005.