The 2026 Sao Paulo Grand Prix will see several rookie drivers taking part in the first practice sessions (FP1), as part of the regulations requiring teams to run junior drivers during the season. This weekend marks an important opportunity for emerging talents to gain valuable track time in Formula 1® machinery, with one rookie set to make his full race weekend debut on home soil.
Six Formula 1® teams will replace their regular drivers with rookies during FP1 at the Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace. Leonardo Fornaroli will drive for McLaren, continuing his FP1 appearances after his debut in Mexico City. Ferrari’s Dino Beganovic returns for another FP1 outing, having previously driven in Austria and Barcelona. Williams will field Luke Browning, who is making his fifth FP1 appearance this season. Audi’s Freddie Slater will get another chance after a disrupted debut in Mexico City, while Alpine’s Gabriele Mini will take part in his second FP1 session. Cadillac’s Colton Herta will make his sixth FP1 appearance, needing to complete 100 km to secure his final Super Licence point.
Meanwhile, Haas will hand the full race weekend to Rafael Camara, who will replace Esteban Ocon. Camara, a member of the Ferrari Driver Academy and current leader in the Formula 2 standings, will participate in all sessions at his home Grand Prix. Haas has yet to confirm who will drive the car for the remaining rounds after Sao Paulo.
The rookie driver programme is part of the 2026 regulations mandating two FP1 outings per season for junior drivers. This initiative aims to provide young talents with experience in Formula 1® cars during race weekends, helping them adapt to the demands of the sport. Fornaroli’s continued FP1 runs with McLaren and Beganovic’s multiple outings with Ferrari underline the teams’ commitment to developing their junior drivers.
Luke Browning’s regular FP1 appearances with Williams and Colton Herta’s efforts with Cadillac highlight the ongoing integration of emerging drivers into the Formula 1® environment. Herta’s focus on completing the required distance to secure his Super Licence point is a key milestone in his progression towards a full-time seat.
Rafael Camara’s full weekend debut with Haas is particularly notable, as it represents his first complete Formula 1® race weekend. His status as a Ferrari Driver Academy member and leader in Formula 2 adds context to this step, though Haas has not announced plans for the remainder of the season. Camara’s participation at his home Grand Prix offers a unique chance to showcase his abilities in front of a local crowd.
This weekend’s FP1 sessions will provide valuable track time for these rookies, allowing them to gain insight into the complexities of Formula 1® cars and race weekend operations. The programme reflects the sport’s structured approach to nurturing future talent within the established teams.