This weekend’s opening practice session at the Hungaroring will look a little different, with four full-time Formula 1 drivers stepping aside for rookie replacements.
The mandatory rookie running rules require each constructor to field a less-experienced driver in FP1 on two separate occasions throughout the season.
That means all 11 teams must give up four FP1 sessions across their two cars, handing opportunities to drivers who have started fewer than two Formula 1 grands prix.
Oscar Piastri will be the highest-profile absentee, with the McLaren star vacating his MCL40 seat to make way for back-to-back F3 and F2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli.
Fornaroli will line up alongside Lando Norris in the other McLaren, marking his second rookie session of the 2026 season after previously driving in Barcelona last month.
Alpine reserve driver Paul Aron returns to the cockpit in Hungary, replacing Franco Colapinto for the opening hour of practice at the Hungaroring.
Aron has previous experience filling in for other teams, having also deputised for both Audi F1 drivers after Alpine loaned him out to the squad formerly known as Sauber.
Ryo Hirakawa, who recently replaced Esteban Ocon at the Red Bull Ring, will once again step into a race seat by driving Ollie Bearman’s car for FP1 in Hungary.
The fourth confirmed swap involves Cadillac test driver and F2 racer Colton Herta, who takes over from Valtteri Bottas for Friday’s opening session.
Herta spoke enthusiastically about his opportunity ahead of the session, saying: “It’s very exciting to get another chance in FP1. It’s a good opportunity for my personal experience, but the ultimate goal is, of course, to help the team with its development.”
The American driver also acknowledged the gap since his last outing, adding: “It’s been six weeks since I was last in the car, and there’s been a lot of evolution in that time.”
Herta was clear about his dual responsibility in Hungary, stating: “My job is to help the race drivers have the best possible Hungarian Grand Prix – but also provide the feedback that will aid the team in its long-term development aims and give me a better baseline in future sessions.”
With four swaps across McLaren, Alpine, Haas and Cadillac, Friday’s FP1 at the Hungaroring promises to be a valuable testing ground for some of the sport’s most promising young talents.