George Russell to miss crucial Mexico GP session in mandatory F1 absence

George Russell will sit out Free Practice 1 at the Mexico City Grand Prix to satisfy the mandatory young driver session requirements. Mercedes reserve driver Fred Vesti will take over Russell's W17 cockpit for the session at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. This marks the first time in the 2026 season that Russell has stepped aside for a practice session, following two earlier outings fulfilled by Kimi Antonelli.

The absence comes at a critical juncture in the championship, with Russell needing a race victory in Mexico to maintain any mathematical title contention against Antonelli. Antonelli currently holds a 123-point advantage with 125 points left in the season, meaning Russell will be eliminated from title contention if he fails to win the grand prix.