Free Practice 1 (FP1) sessions have long served as a proving ground for emerging talent in the Formula 1® paddock. Over the years, several drivers have made their initial FP1 appearances before rising to prominence in the sport. Looking back, seven notable FP1 debuts stand out for their role in shaping future stars of the championship.
Among these memorable first outings is Kimi Antonelli, who debuted in FP1 with Mercedes in 2024. Despite an early crash, Antonelli’s progress has been remarkable, positioning him as a contender for the youngest Formula 1® World Champion title by 2026. Similarly, Lando Norris first took to the track in FP1 at the 2018 Belgian Grand Prix with McLaren. His steady development culminated in winning the 2025 World Championship with the same team.
George Russell’s FP1 debut came in 2017 with Force India, a stepping stone that preceded his eight race wins and eventual move to Mercedes in 2022. Charles Leclerc’s initial FP1 appearance was in 2016, driving for Haas and later Sauber, before joining Ferrari in 2019 and securing multiple race victories. Max Verstappen made an early mark by debuting in FP1 in 2014 with Toro Rosso at just 17 years old, and by 2024, he had claimed four World Championships. Sebastian Vettel and Robert Kubica also began their Formula 1® journeys with BMW Sauber in 2006, with Vettel achieving four World Championships and Kubica winning the 2008 Canadian Grand Prix before moving on to endurance racing after a rally accident.
These FP1 sessions offered valuable track time and experience that helped these drivers adapt to the demands of Formula 1® competition. The early exposure to race weekend conditions, team operations, and car handling under real conditions contributed to their development and readiness for full race seats.
Looking ahead, the 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix will continue this tradition by featuring FP1 debuts for rookies Freddie Slater with Audi and Nikola Tsolov with Racing Bulls. Their appearances in FP1 sessions will provide them with crucial experience as they begin their journeys in the sport, following in the footsteps of the drivers who came before them.
FP1 sessions remain an important platform for teams to assess new talent and for drivers to gain a foothold in the highly competitive environment of Formula 1®. The history of these early appearances highlights how integral these sessions are to the progression of future stars within the championship.
As the sport evolves, the role of FP1 in nurturing young drivers continues to be a key aspect of team strategies and driver development programmes. The examples of Antonelli, Norris, Russell, Leclerc, Verstappen, Vettel, and Kubica illustrate the lasting impact these initial sessions can have on a driver’s career trajectory.