Lewis Hamilton to Miss Mexican GP Practice Session as He Criticises ‘Silly’ FIA R…read more
Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton will be taking a break during the opening practice session (FP1) of the Mexican Grand Prix this weekend. The decision means the 40-year-old will not be behind the wheel of his Ferrari as the team fulfils one of its mandatory rookie driver obligations set by the FIA — a rule that Hamilton recently described as “silly.”
After the demanding United States Grand Prix in Austin, where Hamilton secured fourth place, Ferrari are heading to Mexico City hoping to continue the momentum from one of their best performances of the season. Hamilton’s teammate Charles Leclerc finished third at the Circuit of the Americas, battling McLaren’s Lando Norris throughout much of the race. It was a confidence-boosting weekend for the Italian team, who have struggled for consistency this year.
However, Hamilton will not participate in the initial running on Friday at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, with Ferrari opting to hand the car over to Antonio Fuoco, one of their development and endurance racing drivers. The decision comes in line with the FIA’s rookie session rule, which requires every Formula 1 team to allocate two FP1 sessions per car each season to a driver with limited F1 experience.
Fuoco Gets the FP1 Call
Fuoco, a 29-year-old Italian driver, currently races for Ferrari AF Corse in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) and was part of the lineup that triumphed at the 2024 24 Hours of Le Mans. He confirmed the news on Instagram with an enthusiastic message:
> “Got the call. Mexico, see you on track for FP1. Let’s do this.”
While Fuoco has not raced in Formula 1, he is no stranger to the machinery. His first taste of F1 action came a decade ago when he took part in a two-day testing session at the Red Bull Ring in 2015. Since then, he has been regularly involved with Ferrari’s testing and development program, most recently participating in post-season tests at Yas Marina Circuit in 2021 and 2024.
Within Ferrari’s structure, Fuoco is regarded as one of the team’s most trusted simulator and endurance drivers. Alongside teammates Miguel Molina and Nicklas Nielsen, he helped Ferrari secure a prestigious Le Mans victory in 2024 — marking a significant achievement in his racing career.
Hamilton’s Frustration with the Rule
Hamilton, who joined Ferrari at the start of the 2025 season, is understood to be frustrated by the FIA’s rule mandating teams to sideline their main drivers for rookie sessions. The Briton reportedly described the policy as unnecessary and disruptive, particularly for top-tier teams still fighting for championship points late in the season.
> “It’s a silly rule, to be honest,” Hamilton reportedly told his engineers after the decision was finalized. “These sessions are critical for setup work, and losing one can make a difference, especially at tracks like Mexico where conditions are tricky.”
The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, located in Mexico City, is known for its high altitude — over 2,200 meters above sea level — which significantly affects engine performance and car aerodynamics. Missing FP1 could limit Hamilton’s preparation time ahead of qualifying and the main race, especially given how demanding the Mexican circuit is on both drivers and machinery.
Rookie Obligation Fulfilled
Earlier in the year, Charles Leclerc had already stepped aside twice — in Bahrain and Austria — to allow Ferrari Academy driver Dino Beganovic to complete his rookie sessions. That left Hamilton’s side of the garage responsible for the remaining two, making this Mexican GP outing a practical opportunity for Ferrari to meet the FIA’s requirement before the season’s end.
For Ferrari, the move also strengthens their internal testing network, allowing Fuoco to provide valuable feedback on car handling and setup under real race weekend conditions. Team insiders say his experience in endurance racing makes him particularly good at analyzing tyre performance and balance over longer stints — insights that could prove useful for Ferrari’s upcoming races.
Looking Ahead
Despite sitting out FP1, Hamilton remains optimistic about Ferrari’s chances in Mexico. The veteran driver has been gradually adapting to life at Maranello and appears increasingly comfortable in the car. With only a handful of races left in the 2025 season, Ferrari are determined to end the year strongly — both in terms of race pace and development progress heading into 2026’s new regulations.
As Hamilton rests during the first practice session, all eyes will be on Antonio Fuoco — the endurance ace stepping into one of Formula 1’s most famous cockpits — as Ferrari continues to balance experience and future development on one of the calendar’s most challenging tracks.
