Mercedes have confirmed that championship leader Kimi Antonelli will be replaced for the opening practice session of the Hungarian Grand Prix as the team complies with Formula 1’s mandatory rookie driver regulations. The temporary change means reserve driver Frederik Vesti will take over Antonelli’s Mercedes for Free Practice 1 at the Hungaroring before the Italian returns for the remainder of the race weekend.
The decision is purely procedural and is not linked to injury, illness, or performance concerns. Formula 1 regulations require every team to give young drivers with limited Grand Prix experience opportunities to participate in practice sessions throughout the season. Mercedes have chosen the Hungarian Grand Prix as one of the events to fulfill that requirement, allowing Vesti to gain valuable mileage in the W17 while Antonelli watches from the garage during the first hour of running.
Antonelli heads into the Budapest weekend in outstanding form after extending his championship lead with another dominant victory at the Belgian Grand Prix. The 19-year-old has been one of the standout performers of the 2026 season, delivering consistent podiums and victories that have placed Mercedes firmly in contention for both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships.
Team principal Toto Wolff expressed confidence that missing a single practice session would have little impact on Antonelli’s preparations. The Italian is expected to return for Free Practice 2 on Friday before taking part in Saturday’s qualifying session and Sunday’s race, where he will aim to strengthen his championship advantage heading into Formula 1’s summer break.
With Mercedes continuing to balance title ambitions with the development of its junior talent, the FP1 driver swap offers Vesti another valuable opportunity while ensuring Antonelli remains fully focused on securing another crucial victory in Hungary.
