Lando Norris, Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton are amongst eight drivers who will miss first observe for the Mexico Metropolis Grand Prix this Friday.
In the course of the season, every Method 1 staff should run a rookie in not less than two observe periods for each of their automobiles and the relative simplicity of the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez – which isn’t a road circuit, neither is the race a Dash occasion – means most groups are taking the chance to fulfil the necessities.
Solely Racing Bulls and Sauber will run each full-time drivers for the opening session of the weekend.
Championship chief Oscar Piastri, who’s 14 factors forward of Lando Norris and 40 in entrance of Max Verstappen, would be the solely title protagonist to have full preparation forward of Qualifying on Saturday and the Mexico Metropolis Grand Prix itself on Sunday.
Nonetheless, it means Piastri will virtually definitely miss first observe within the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in December as he has solely made manner as soon as to date for a rookie.
Brazil (November 7-9) follows Mexico however is a Dash weekend, so there is just one observe session, as is the penultimate spherical in Qatar (November 28-30).
Las Vegas (November 21-23) is the opposite occasion earlier than Abu Dhabi however the drivers will need three full observe periods to construct as much as the tight confines of the road observe.
Britain’s Lindblad the rookie to observe
British teenager Arvid Lindblad will drive Verstappen’s Crimson Bull in first observe and shall be intently watched as he closes in on a probable F1 debut in 2026.
Lindblad, 18, is presently seventh in his maiden F2 marketing campaign however impressed Crimson Bull over the previous few years in varied junior single-seater classes.
Crimson Bull advisor Helmut Marko confirmed a call shall be made after Mexico on who shall be Verstappen’s team-mate subsequent 12 months, plus the 2 Racing Bulls seats for 2026.
Isack Hadjar is about to make the step as much as Crimson Bull, leaving Yuki Tsunoda, Liam Lawson and Lindblad to combat over the Racing Bulls spots.
The Mexican crowd will have the ability to cheer on dwelling driver Pato O’Ward for the second 12 months working because the IndyCar star replaces Norris at McLaren.
“It’s always great to come home. The atmosphere and fan support in Mexico City is very special,” stated O’Ward.
“I’m looking forward to getting on track, contributing to the team, helping with the car setup and gathering data. Thank you to Zak [Brown] and Andrea [Stella] for the opportunity, I can’t wait.”
Sky Sports activities F1’s Mexico Metropolis GP schedule
Thursday October 23
9pm: Drivers’ Press Convention
12am: Paddock Uncut (Friday morning)
Friday October 24
7pm: Mexico Metropolis GP Observe One (session begins at 7.30pm)
9pm: The F1 Present
10pm: Staff Bosses’ Press Convention
10.45pm: Mexico Metropolis GP Observe Two (session begins at 11pm)*
Saturday October 25
6.15pm: Mexico Metropolis GP Observe Three (session begins at 6.30pm)
9pm: Mexico Metropolis GP Qualifying build-up*
10pm: MEXICO CITY GP QUALIFYING*
Sunday October 26
6.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Mexico Metropolis GP build-up*
8pm: THE MEXICO CITY GRAND PRIX*
10pm: Chequered Flag: Mexico Metropolis GP response
*additionally on Sky Sports activities Essential Occasion
Method 1’s thrilling title race heads continues on the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez for the Mexico Metropolis Grand Prix this weekend, stay on Sky Sports activities F1. Stream Sky Sports activities with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime