Nine drivers prepare to sit in for FP1 at Abu Dhabi

As normal, an amount of teams are using the wealth of track knowledge already available to allow rookie drivers to make appearances in FP1 this weekend at Abu Dhabi. A total of nine drivers across eight teams will make appearances, with a mix of experience on show.

McLaren

On a crucial weekend, Oscar Piastri will relinquish his car to IndyCar hero Pato O’Ward, with the Mexican doing his second FP1 session of the season.

Ferrari

Like in 2024, Arthur Leclerc once again takes to the track, sitting in for Lewis Hamilton and sharing the track with brother Charles.

Red Bull

Newly announced 2026 Racing Bulls driver Arvid Lindblad will take Yuki Tsunoda’s place during FP1. He’ll be eager to show what he can do alongside title contender Max Verstappen.

Aston Martin

F2 star Jak Crawford returns to an F1 car after his Mexico outing with Aston, replacing Lance Stroll.

In the other car, another F2 driver in the shape of 20 year old Scottish driver Cian Shields. The Glasgwegian driver has completed extensive private testing with Aston and will make his F1 FP1 debut.

Alpine

Paul Aron returns once again, having previously had two sessions with Stake and one other with Alpine. The ex-F2 driver is in Pierre Gasly’s car.

Racing Bulls

Newly crowned Super Formula champion Ayumu Iwasa returns to sit in the RB car, having missed out on a full time seat to Arvid Lindblad. Iwasa will be in, in place of Liam Lawson.

Williams

Luke Browning returns again to a session with Williams, having done so already this season. He’s got the end of season Young Driver test and Super Formula test to come in the next couple weeks. He’s in Alex Albon’s car this weekend.

Haas

Ryō Hirakawa is Haas’ reserve driver and has completed all FP1 sessions so far this season an the Toyota back driver is in once again, replacing Esteban Ocon.

Mercedes and Stake have completed the required sessions and are not scheduled to run a rookie driver.

📸 Image credits: Formula Motorsport Limited.