George Russell sidelined as multiple F1 teams confirm Mexico driver shake-up

Multiple Formula 1 teams have confirmed extensive driver changes for the first practice session at the Mexican Grand Prix. Mercedes driver George Russell, Red Bull's Max Verstappen, and McLaren's Lando Norris are among the prominent names stepping aside for Friday's opening practice at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. The widespread driver substitutions fulfill sporting regulations requiring teams to provide practice sessions to rookie drivers.

Frederik Vesti will replace Russell at Mercedes, while Ayumu Iwasa takes over Verstappen's Red Bull seat. McLaren will run Leonardo Fornaroli in place of Norris. Additional rookie appearances include Freddie Slater making his Formula 1 debut for Audi, Luke Browning stepping in at Williams, Gabriele Mini at Alpine, Jak Crawford at Aston Martin, and Colton Herta driving for Cadillac.