The leading driver in the championship, Kimi Antonelli, will be one of five racers who sit out the opening practice session for the Hungarian Grand Prix on Friday. This decision is part of the Formula 1 regulation that obliges each team to field a rookie driver in at least two practice runs for each of its cars during a season. Because the Hungaroring is a familiar circuit for many teams and the event is not scheduled as a sprint weekend, five outfits have seized the chance to meet that requirement at this round. Antonelli, who currently enjoys a 45‑point advantage over Lewis Hamilton and a 50‑point lead over George Russell in the Drivers' Championship, will hand his Mercedes‑W17 over to the team’s reserve driver, Frederik Vesti, for the Friday morning session.
Vesti, the 2023 Formula 2 runner‑up, previously piloted Antonelli’s car during the first practice at the Barcelona‑Catalunya Grand Prix, so the Italian’s absence is limited to this single session and he will return for the remaining practice periods. The move also highlights the broader rookie‑placement strategy across the grid. While Antonelli steps aside for Vesti, Russell has yet to allocate his car to a newcomer, meaning he will miss two practice slots over the eleven rounds scheduled after the summer hiatus. Vesti expressed his enthusiasm, 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." Another rising star, Leonardo Fornaroli, the reigning Formula 2 champion, will make his second Friday appearance of the year by taking over Oscar Piastri’s McLaren during the Hungarian practice. Fornaroli, who clinched back‑to‑back titles in Formula 3 (2024) and Formula 2 (2025), previously drove Lando Norris’s McLaren at the Barcelona event and has been linked with a potential seat at Haas for the 2027 season, possibly replacing Esteban Ocon. In June, McLaren loaned the 21‑year‑old Italian to Haas for a TPC (Testing of Previous Cars) session, fueling speculation about a full‑time move.
Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu cautioned that no final decision has been made, adding, "We’re simply keeping the options open. We are not in a hurry, but Leo did a great job [in the test]." Haas’s own rookie, Oliver Bearman, will also miss the Budapest opening practice, giving Ryo Hirakawa his second outing of the season. Meanwhile, Paul Aron will enjoy his third 2026 practice stint, this time behind the wheel of Franco Colapinto’s Alpine. Aron’s earlier loan to Audi saw him participate in practice sessions at both Barcelona and Austria, further broadening his experience.
Former IndyCar competitor Colton Herta will also take part in the first practice, driving the Cadillac that Valtteri Bottas usually mans. This diverse lineup of young talent underscores the sport’s commitment to nurturing the next generation while complying with the rookie‑participation rule. For fans eager to follow the action, Sky Sports provides comprehensive coverage across multiple platforms. The Hungarian Grand Prix weekend schedule is packed with supporting categories, including Formula 3 and Formula 2 practice, qualifying, and sprint races, as well as the Porsche Supercup and the main F1 event.
Key times are: - Thursday, July 23 – Drivers' press conference at 2 pm, followed by the Paddock Uncut at 5 pm. - Friday, July 24 – F3 practice at 8:50 am, F2 practice at 10 am, Hungarian GP Practice One commencing at 12:30 pm, F3 qualifying at 1:55 pm, F2 qualifying at 3 pm, Practice Two at 4 pm, and The F1 Show at 5:15 pm.
- Saturday, July 25 – F3 sprint at 9 am, GP Practice Three at 11:30 am, F2 sprint at 1:10 pm, Qualifying build‑up at 2:15 pm, Hungarian GP Qualifying at 3 pm, and Ted’s Qualifying Notebook at 5 pm. - Sunday, July 26 – F3 feature race at 7:35 am, Porsche Supercup at 9:05 am, F2 feature race at 10:20 am, GP build‑up and the Grand Prix itself starting at 12:30 pm, followed by post‑race reaction and Ted’s Notebook in the afternoon. All sessions will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1, with the option to stream via NOW without a long‑term contract.
Viewers are encouraged to use the Chrome browser for optimal video playback. Additionally, Sky Sports offers a WhatsApp channel delivering the latest sports headlines, videos, analysis, and exclusive features, ensuring fans stay informed throughout the weekend. In summary, the Hungarian Grand Prix will see a blend of seasoned champions and emerging talents sharing the track, fulfilling regulatory requirements while providing valuable seat time for the sport’s future stars. The varied practice lineup, combined with a full schedule of support races and the main Grand Prix, promises an action‑packed weekend for enthusiasts worldwide.