Apparently, Ferrari replaces Hamilton for the free practice sessions in Mexico. Fans are therefore wondering if the seven-time world champion will be there for the rest of the weekend.
Ferrari is replacing Lewis Hamilton during the first free practice session for the Mexican GP. The Scuderia has officially announced the name of his substitute, and it is Antonio Fuoco. For information, he is the grand winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
An absence already anticipated by the regulations
Before imagining a penalty or a technical issue, this decision is actually an obligation imposed by the FIA. Each team must run a young driver at least twice in the season during Friday practice sessions. Ferrari has therefore chosen this weekend in Mexico to give one of its most experienced protégés a turn.
Fuoco replaces Hamilton in free practice at the Mexican GP
The Italian Antonio Fuoco, 29 years old, knows Ferrari well. Above all, he has been a development and simulator driver for several seasons. More importantly, he also won the 2024 24 Hours of Le Mans with the brand’s Hypercar team.
Fuoco has also participated in several young driver tests. He notably took part in 2020, 2021, and 2024. This time, he will get back into the SF-25 for a real official session as part of the Mexican GP.
Ferrari replaces Hamilton, but not for long
The Briton is being replaced for this session; it is only temporary. He will participate only in Free Practice 1 before taking back his car for the rest of the weekend. This forced break is therefore not related to his performance. I still acknowledge that his adaptation to the SF-25 remains gradual since joining Ferrari.
An adaptation still in progress
Since his transfer from Mercedes to Ferrari, the F1 driver has struggled to find his way back to victory. Fans raised even more questions upon learning that Ferrari was replacing Hamilton in Mexico. But since he is returning this weekend, we are reassured.
His recent performances are also encouraging. He indeed finished fourth at the United States GP and came close to the podium behind Charles Leclerc. The Briton also stated after the race that he finally felt “in tune with the car.” We therefore have proof that he is making progress.
Two scheduled absences before the end of the season
For information, the fact that Fuoco is replacing Hamilton in Mexico will not be an exception. Ferrari has confirmed that the British driver will again give up his seat in Abu Dhabi. In other words, during the final round of the championship. These two dates were the only possible ones in the calendar, considering the upcoming sprint races and the special Las Vegas event.
Charles Leclerc, meanwhile, has already fulfilled his obligation earlier in the season. Young Dino Beganovic replaced the Monégasque in Bahrain and Austria. Ferrari thus ensures compliance with the rules while giving valuable opportunities to its young talents.