Formula 1 driver Charles Leclerc achieved an early partial success in the first free practice session for the Mexican Grand Prix.
The Ferrari star set the fastest time on Friday in 1:18.380 minutes, but that said little about the actual balance of power at the rookie festival in the Autódromo Hermanos Rodriguez.
The regulations stipulate that every regular driver must give two training sessions to a rookie during the course of the season. A total of nine teams replaced one of their established drivers.
Among others, Arvid Lindblad drove the RB21 of world champion Max Verstappen, WEC driver Antonio Fuoco took a seat in Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari, and the Mexican Pato O’Ward took over the McLaren cockpit from vice world champion Lando Norris.
Only Sauber relied on its usual staff in both cars, Nico Hülkenberg from Emmerich came third ahead of World Championship leader Oscar Piastri in the McLaren.
Lindblad, who is considered a candidate for one of the Racing Bulls’ cockpits for the coming season, finished sixth as the best rookie.
Regular driver in second training
The regular drivers take over again in the second training session (0:00 a.m.) and then test under the special conditions near Mexico City.
The thinner air above 2200 meters affects aerodynamics, cooling and the engine – less air means different performance.
The 20th race of the season takes place on Sunday (9 p.m.).