Seven Formula 1 wannabe rookies on duty in Barcelona FP1

Under Formula 1 regulations, every full-time driver must give up their car for two practice sessions per season to a rookie driver, defined as someone who has started no more than two Grands Prix. Barcelona's familiarity to teams and junior drivers makes it a natural venue for many to fulfil that requirement.

Championship leaders Mercedes will place Danish reserve driver Fred Vesti in Kimi Antonelli's car. Vesti, now the team's sole reserve, has already accumulated four FP1 appearances since 2023 and combines his Mercedes duties with a programme in endurance racing.

Ferrari will hand Lewis Hamilton's SF26 to Dino Beganovic. The Swede, currently sixth in the Formula 2 standings, is making his third FP1 appearance after previous outings in Bahrain and Austria last season.

McLaren and Cadillac will field debutants in Friday practice. Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli will replace Lando Norris for McLaren. The Italian joined the team's reserve pool after securing back-to-back junior titles and has already tested older machinery at Barcelona.

Cadillac will give American driver Colton Herta his first Formula 1 practice outing as he takes over Sergio Perez's car. Herta moved to Formula 2 this season after establishing himself in IndyCar and is expected to participate in several practice sessions during the campaign.

Red Bull will again call on Ayumu Iwasa, who replaces Isack Hadjar. The Japanese driver is making his sixth FP1 appearance and continues to balance reserve duties with a Super Formula campaign, where he is currently fighting near the top of the standings.

Williams reserve Luke Browning takes over Alex Albon's car for his fifth Formula 1 practice session. The Briton now combines simulator responsibilities at Grove with racing commitments in Super Formula.

Audi will field Paul Aron in place of Nico Hulkenberg as part of an ongoing arrangement with Alpine, where the Estonian serves as reserve driver. Aron has already completed several FP1 outings across the past two seasons and continues to build mileage ahead of a potential future race seat.

With teams chasing performance and young drivers seeking to impress, Friday's opening session offers another opportunity for Formula 1's next generation to showcase their credentials on one of the championship's most demanding circuits.