Kimi Antonelli, who currently tops the Formula One drivers' standings, will be one of five competitors to sit out the opening practice session for the Hungarian Grand Prix on Friday. The sport’s regulations require each team to field a rookie driver in at least two practice runs across the season, and the unique characteristics of the Hungaroring—combined with the fact that this weekend is not a Sprint format—have prompted five teams to seize the chance to meet that mandate. Antonelli, who enjoys a 45‑point lead over Lewis Hamilton and a 50‑point cushion ahead of George Russell, will hand his seat over to Mercedes’ reserve driver Frederik Vesti for the Friday morning session. Vesti, the 2023 Formula 2 vice‑champion, previously piloted Antonelli’s Mercedes in the first practice at the Barcelona‑Catalunya Grand Prix, so the Italian youngster will not be absent from any additional practice slots beyond this one.
The move is part of a broader pattern across the grid. While Antonelli’s temporary replacement is already set, Russell has yet to allocate a rookie to his car, meaning he will miss two practice sessions later in the season after the summer hiatus. Vesti expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I’m really excited to get back behind the wheel of the W17 and continue building my experience with the car.
It’s a great opportunity and one I’m looking forward to making the most of.” Another rising star, Leonardo Fornaroli, the reigning Formula 2 champion, will make his second Friday outing of the year when he takes over Oscar Piastri’s McLaren for the Hungarian practice. Fornaroli, who captured back‑to‑back titles in Formula 3 (2024) and Formula 2 (2025), previously drove Lando Norris’s McLaren in Barcelona and has been linked to a possible seat with Haas for the 2027 season, potentially replacing Esteban Ocon.
In June, McLaren loaned the 21‑year‑old Italian to Haas for a “Testing of Previous Cars” (TPC) session, fueling speculation about a full‑time move. Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu cautioned that no definitive decision has been made yet, adding, “We’re simply keeping the options open. We are not in a hurry, but Leo did a great job [in the test].” Haas will also see its own rookie, Oliver Bearman, miss the Budapest first practice as Ryo Hirakawa steps into the car for his second season‑long outing.
Meanwhile, Paul Aron will enjoy his third practice appearance of 2026, this time driving Franco Colapinto’s Alpine. Aron’s development path has already included loan spells with Audi for practice sessions in Barcelona and Austria earlier in the year. Former IndyCar competitor Colton Herta will also take part in the opening session, piloting Valtteri Bottas’s Cadillac‑powered car. These varied rookie appearances illustrate how teams are juggling regulatory obligations with driver development strategies, especially on a circuit like the Hungaroring that demands precision and consistency.
The Hungarian Grand Prix weekend is packed with action beyond the F1 practice runs. The schedule includes F3 and F2 practice and qualifying sessions, the main Grand Prix sprint and feature races, as well as supporting categories such as the Porsche Supercup. Notable broadcast times include a drivers’ press conference on Thursday at 2 p.m., the first F1 practice at 12:30 p.m.
on Friday, and the Grand Prix itself on Sunday afternoon, with live coverage on Sky Sports F1 and streaming via NOW. Fans can stay updated through Sky Sports’ WhatsApp channel, which provides the latest news, video highlights, analysis, and exclusive features. The network also encourages viewers to use Chrome for optimal video playback.
In summary, the Hungarian Grand Prix will see a mix of seasoned champions and emerging talent sharing the track during practice sessions, reflecting Formula 1’s commitment to nurturing the next generation while adhering to its rookie‑driver rule. Antonelli’s brief absence, Vesti’s return, Fornaroli’s continued rise, and the involvement of drivers like Bearman, Hirakawa, Aron, and Herta all contribute to a dynamic and educational weekend for teams, drivers, and spectators alike.