Lando Norris, Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton are among eight drivers who will miss first practice for the Mexico City Grand Prix this Friday.
During the season, each Formula 1 team must run a rookie in at least two practice sessions for both of their cars and the relative simplicity of the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez – which is not a street circuit, nor is the race a Sprint event – means most teams are taking the opportunity to fulfil the requirements.
Only Racing Bulls and Sauber will run both full-time drivers for the opening session of the weekend.
Championship leader Oscar Piastri, who is 14 points ahead of Lando Norris and 40 in front of Max Verstappen, will be the only title protagonist to have full preparation ahead of Qualifying on Saturday and the Mexico City Grand Prix itself on Sunday.
However, it means Piastri will almost certainly miss first practice in the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in December as he has only made way once so far for a rookie.
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The F1 Show Podcast team discuss whether McLaren must now prioritise either Oscar Piastri or Lando Norris to claim the Drivers’ Championship
Brazil (November 7-9) follows Mexico but is a Sprint weekend, so there is only one practice session, as is the penultimate round in Qatar (November 28-30).
Las Vegas (November 21-23) is the other event before Abu Dhabi but the drivers will want three full practice sessions to build up to the tight confines of the street track.
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Watch back the most controversial moments between team-mates Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri
Britain’s Lindblad the rookie to watch
British teenager Arvid Lindblad will drive Verstappen’s Red Bull in first practice and will be closely watched as he closes in on a likely F1 debut in 2026.
Lindblad, 18, is currently seventh in his maiden F2 campaign but impressed Red Bull over the last few years in various junior single-seater categories.
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko confirmed a decision will be made after Mexico on who will be Verstappen’s team-mate next year, plus the two Racing Bulls seats for 2026.
Isack Hadjar is set to make the step up to Red Bull, leaving Yuki Tsunoda, Liam Lawson and Lindblad to fight over the Racing Bulls spots.
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Multiple crashes during the Monza F2 feature race, where Arvid Lindblad takes out Alex Dunne – then Roman Stanek on the restart
The Mexican crowd will be able to cheer on home driver Pato O’Ward for the second year running as the IndyCar star replaces Norris at McLaren.
“It’s always great to come home. The atmosphere and fan support in Mexico City is very special,” said O’Ward.
“I’m looking forward to getting on track, contributing to the team, helping with the car setup and gathering data. Thank you to Zak [Brown] and Andrea [Stella] for the opportunity, I can’t wait.”
Sky Sports F1’s Mexico City GP schedule
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Look back at some of the most dramatic moments to have taken place at the Mexico City Grand Prix
Thursday October 23
9pm: Drivers’ Press Conference
12am: Paddock Uncut (Friday morning)
Friday October 24
7pm: Mexico City GP Practice One (session starts at 7.30pm)
9pm: The F1 Show
10pm: Team Bosses’ Press Conference
10.45pm: Mexico City GP Practice Two (session starts at 11pm)*
Saturday October 25
6.15pm: Mexico City GP Practice Three (session starts at 6.30pm)
9pm: Mexico City GP Qualifying build-up*
10pm: MEXICO CITY GP QUALIFYING*
Sunday October 26
6.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Mexico City GP build-up*
8pm: THE MEXICO CITY GRAND PRIX*
10pm: Chequered Flag: Mexico City GP reaction
*also on Sky Sports Main Event
Formula 1’s thrilling title race heads continues at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez for the Mexico City Grand Prix this weekend, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime