Mexico City GP 2026 FP1 line-up adds Slater

Freddie Slater will drive Audi in Mexico City GP FP1, while Max Verstappen, George Russell and Franco Colapinto are among those sitting out Friday’s session.

Freddie Slater will take part in Free Practice 1 at the 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix for Audi, with BBC Sport reporting that the 18-year-old Briton is also scheduled to run in Sao Paulo. Autosport reported that the outing forms part of Audi’s first season in Formula 1 after taking over Sauber.

Motorsport.com reported that Max Verstappen will sit out FP1 for Red Bull as teams continue to complete rookie-session requirements. Verstappen arrived in Mexico City fourth in the drivers' championship on 236 points. The same outlet also reported that Gabriele Mini will drive Franco Colapinto’s Alpine in the session and that George Russell is due to miss FP1 as well. Russell was second in the standings on 242 points, while Colapinto was 12th on 27.

RaceFans reported that eight drivers are due to appear in Friday practice in Mexico City. Motorsport.com said the rookie allocation applies to drivers with two or fewer Formula 1 starts, explaining why several regular race drivers will hand over their cars for the opening session.