Kimi Antonelli, who currently tops the Formula One drivers' standings, will be one of five racers who 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 during the season, and the characteristics of the Hungaroring – a circuit that is familiar to many teams – combined with the fact that this weekend is not a Sprint format, have prompted five outfits to meet that rookie‑driver quota at this event. Antonelli, who enjoys a 45‑point lead over Lewis Hamilton and a 50‑point cushion ahead of George Russell, will hand his Mercedes W17 to the team’s reserve driver, Frederik Vesti, for the first practice slot on Friday. Vesti, the 2023 Formula 2 runner‑up, already got a taste of the Mercedes in Barcelona when he piloted Antonelli’s car during the opening practice there, so the Italian’s absence is limited to this single session; he will return for the remaining practice periods later in the weekend.
The move reflects the broader rookie‑programme strategy that the governing body has imposed to nurture emerging talent. While Antonelli’s participation in the remainder of the Hungarian weekend remains unchanged, other teams are also making adjustments. George Russell, for example, has yet to allocate a practice run to a rookie, meaning he will sit out two sessions over the next eleven rounds after the summer break, in accordance with the same rule.
Frederik Vesti expressed his enthusiasm about the opportunity, saying, "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." His comments underscore the value teams place on giving their reserve drivers real‑world F1 mileage, especially on a track that demands precision and a smooth driving style. Leonardo Fornaroli, the reigning Formula 2 champion, will also make his second Friday appearance of the season when he steps into Oscar Piastri’s McLaren. Fornaroli, who clinched back‑to‑back titles in Formula 3 (2024) and Formula 2 (2025), previously drove Lando Norris’s McLaren at the Barcelona Grand Prix and has been linked to a future seat at Haas.
In June, McLaren loaned the 21‑year‑old Italian to Haas for a TPC (Testing of Previous Cars) session, fueling speculation that he could join Haas full‑time in 2027 to replace Esteban Ocon. Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu cautioned that no final decision has been made, adding, "We’re simply keeping the options open. We’re not in a hurry, but Leo did a great job in the test." Haas will also see Oliver Bearman miss the first practice in Budapest, as Ryo Hirakawa takes his place for a second outing of the season. Meanwhile, Paul Aron will enjoy his third 2026 practice appearance, this time behind the wheel of Franco Colapinto’s Alpine.
Aron’s earlier loan spells included a stint with Audi for practice sessions in Barcelona and Austria, highlighting the increasingly fluid nature of driver development programmes across manufacturers. Former IndyCar competitor Colton Herta will be on track as well, piloting Valtteri Bottas’s Cadillac during the opening practice.
Herta’s involvement illustrates the series’ openness to cross‑disciplinary talent, offering fans a glimpse of how drivers from other top‑level motorsport categories adapt to the unique demands of a Formula One car. The Hungarian Grand Prix weekend is packed with action across multiple categories.
The schedule begins on Thursday, July 23, with a drivers’ press conference at 2 pm, followed by the “Paddock Uncut” show at 5 pm. Friday, July 24, features F3 practice at 8.50 am, F2 practice at 10 am, and the first Formula 1 practice session at 12 pm (officially starting at 12.30 pm).
Qualifying sessions for F3 and F2 follow, with the second F1 practice slated for 3.45 pm (starting at 4 pm), and the day closes with “The F1 Show” at 5 pm. Saturday, July 25, sees the F3 sprint at 9 am, the third F1 practice at 11.15 am (starting at 11.30 am), the F2 sprint at 1.10 pm, and the build‑up to the Hungarian Grand Prix qualifying at 2.15 pm. The main qualifying session for the Grand Prix kicks off at 3 pm and runs until 5 pm, after which “Ted’s Qualifying Notebook” provides expert analysis. Sunday, July 26, rounds out the weekend with the F3 feature race at 7.35 am, the Porsche Supercup at 9.05 am, the F2 feature race at 10.20 am, and the build‑up to the Grand Prix itself at 12.30 pm.
The Hungarian Grand Prix proper starts at 2 pm, followed by post‑race reaction at 4 pm and “Ted’s Notebook” at 5 pm. All sessions are broadcast live on Sky Sports F1, and viewers can stream the coverage via NOW without a long‑term contract, with the flexibility to cancel at any time. For fans who prefer a smoother viewing experience, Sky Sports recommends using the Chrome browser for optimal video playback. The network also encourages audiences to follow its WhatsApp channel for up‑to‑date sports news, video highlights, feature stories, and in‑depth analysis throughout the weekend.
In summary, the Hungarian Grand Prix will showcase a blend of seasoned champions and emerging talents, as teams meet regulatory requirements while also seizing the chance to evaluate their next‑generation drivers on a technically demanding circuit. Antonelli’s brief absence from first practice, Vesti’s return, and the involvement of Fornaroli, Bearman, Hirakawa, Aron and Herta all contribute to a rich tapestry of storylines that will keep viewers engaged from the first lap to the chequered flag.