Alpine, Williams, Mercedes and Audi are fielding young drivers in Mexico: Gabriele Mini is set to make his first appearance in an official Formula 1 practice session
Alpine junior Gabriele Mini is set to make his debut at a Formula 1 race weekend at the Mexican Grand Prix. The Italian will take over the car from Franco Colapinto in the first free practice session.
The 21-year-old Italian has been part of Alpine’s junior programme since 2023. He is currently competing in his second full season in Formula 2. With four races remaining in the season, he lies fourth in the championship.
So far, Mini has gained Formula 1 experience during Alpine test sessions with older cars. The next step is now set to take place in Mexico: at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, he will be allowed to drive the current A526 for the first time, a car that differs significantly from the previous test cars in technical terms.
“I’m looking forward to getting behind the wheel of the A526 and taking part in my very first Formula 1 free practice session,” says Mini. “I’ve been part of the Alpine Academy for several years and have worked my way up through the junior ranks. That’s why it will be a very special moment to take part in an official Formula 1 practice session.”
Williams will field Browning in Mexico and Brazil
Several Formula 1 teams are fielding young drivers in the first free practice session in Mexico to fulfil the mandatory rookie appearances. Each team must complete four such appearances over the course of a season. In doing so, each regular driver must make way for a rookie on two occasions.
For Alpine, Mini’s appearance is already the third of its kind this season. Previously, reserve driver Paul Aron had taken part at the Hungaroring in Hungary and at Monza.
At Williams, reserve driver Luke Browning is completing his eighth and ninth Friday sessions in Mexico and Brazil. In Mexico, he is taking over the car from Alexander Albon, and in Brazil, the car from Carlos Sainz.
Vesti is driving for Mercedes, Slater for Audi
Mercedes is relying on its simulator driver in Mexico: Frederik Vesti, the 2023 Formula 2 runner-up, will be making his third appearance in the first free practice session this season. The Dane will take over the W17 from George Russell.
As previously reported, Freddie Slater will complete Audi’s rookie stints in Mexico and Brazil. Alpine had previously loaned its reserve driver, Aron, to Audi for similar stints in Barcelona and at the Red Bull Ring. At Aston Martin, Jak Crawford will also be back in action.