Six rookies to take part in Brazil FP1 practice

Six Formula 1 teams will run rookie drivers in Friday's opening practice session for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, one week after many of them took part in Mexico City. Under the 2026 regulations, each full-time driver must give way to a rookie in two practice sessions during the season. Rookies are defined as drivers who have started no more than two Grands Prix.

Leonardo Fornaroli will drive McLaren's MCL40 for a second consecutive weekend, replacing Oscar Piastri. The reigning F2 champion is a McLaren Driver Development Programme member. Ferrari's Dino Beganovic returns to the SF-26 in place of Charles Leclerc, while Williams Reserve Driver Luke Browning replaces Carlos Sainz after several earlier FP1 outings this season.