“I’m Finally Feeling Like I’m On Top of the Car”: Lewis Hamilton Stuns F1 World as Antonio Fuoco Replaces Him in FP1 at the Mexican Grand Prix

The Formula 1 paddock was left in disbelief on Friday morning when Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time world champion, was unexpectedly replaced by Antonio Fuoco for FP1 at the Mexican Grand Prix.

In a twist no one saw coming, Ferrari confirmed that Fuoco — their long-time development driver — would take the wheel of Hamilton’s SF-25 during the opening practice session at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. For fans and media alike, it was a jaw-dropping moment: the first time Hamilton has missed a practice session since joining Ferrari.

And it happened just hours after he told reporters,

“I’m finally feeling like I’m on top of the car.”

A statement that, in hindsight, made the decision even more shocking.

🔥 The Shock That Shook the Paddock

When the official session entry list dropped on Friday morning, social media erupted. Where everyone expected to see “Hamilton — Ferrari,” they saw “Fuoco — Ferrari.” Within minutes, #Hamilton and #Fuoco were trending globally.

“Is this real? Hamilton missing FP1?!” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “Did Ferrari just drop a bombshell before the weekend even started?”

Insiders quickly confirmed: this was not a punishment, nor the result of any mechanical failure or injury. Instead, the move was strategic — Ferrari giving Fuoco a rare on-track opportunity while collecting valuable data under different conditions.

Still, the decision raised eyebrows. Hamilton has built a reputation for his relentless presence behind the wheel — missing FP1 is almost unthinkable for a driver known for his meticulous preparation and perfectionism.

“This is Lewis Hamilton we’re talking about,” one F1 commentator said live on Sky Sports. “He’s the most hands-on driver on the grid. To sit out a session voluntarily? That tells you there’s more to this story.”

🏎️ Who Is Antonio Fuoco?

For many casual fans, Antonio Fuoco may not be a household name — but within Ferrari’s inner circle, he’s a respected figure. A 28-year-old Italian racer, Fuoco has been part of the Ferrari Driver Academy since his teenage years. Though his F1 career never took off as a full-time driver, he has spent the past several years as Ferrari’s official simulator and development driver.

This weekend marks his first ever chance to drive Ferrari’s 2025 challenger — the SF-25 — in an official F1 session.

“Antonio’s contribution behind the scenes has been crucial,” said a Ferrari spokesperson. “He knows the car inside out from the simulator, but this is his first opportunity to experience it in real conditions. It’s a reward for years of hard work.”

Fuoco himself appeared humbled yet thrilled when asked about the opportunity.

“It’s an honor to step into this car, even if it’s just for one session,” he told Sky Italia. “I’ve worked for years to help the team — now I finally get to feel what the SF-25 really is on track.”

⚙️ Strategy or Symbolism?

Though Ferrari framed the decision as part of their development program, insiders say there’s more to it than meets the eye.

Hamilton’s quote from earlier in the week — “I’m finally feeling like I’m on top of the car” — had fans believing he was ready to push for a major result in Mexico. His sudden absence from FP1, therefore, feels symbolic: a moment of transition not just for Ferrari, but for Hamilton’s new chapter after Mercedes.

“Lewis has been working intensely with the engineers,” one paddock source told Motorsport Italia. “He’s focused on getting the car where he wants it. Sitting out FP1 might be a way to test how the setup evolves without him — a controlled experiment, if you will.”

Others speculate that Ferrari is preparing Fuoco for a bigger role — possibly in endurance racing or as a long-term test driver for the 2026 regulations.

Whatever the motive, one thing is certain: the atmosphere inside Ferrari is electric, and everyone will be watching how this gamble plays out.

💬 Fans React: Confusion, Excitement, and a Bit of Panic

Within minutes of the announcement, the fanbase erupted with every possible reaction: disbelief, curiosity, and, of course, memes.

“Ferrari replacing Hamilton? On Mexican soil? What timeline are we in?” one fan joked.
Another posted, “Fuoco in FP1 and Hamilton saying he’s on top of the car? This feels like a setup for drama.”

Still, many fans expressed excitement at seeing a long-time Ferrari reserve finally get his moment under the sun.

“Antonio deserves this,” one Italian fan commented. “He’s worked in silence for years — this is his reward.”

🌄 Mexico Awaits the Comeback

Hamilton will return to the cockpit for FP2, and all eyes will be on how quickly he adapts after missing crucial early track time. The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez is notorious for its high altitude and thin air — two factors that make early setup data extremely valuable.

Will skipping FP1 put Hamilton at a disadvantage? Possibly. But knowing Lewis, he’ll turn that into motivation.

“He’s the kind of driver who can miss a session and still be the fastest by FP3,” said one former teammate. “That’s what makes him a seven-time champion.”

🏁 The Weekend of Unpredictability

Between Ferrari’s bold call, Hamilton’s momentary absence, and the debut of Fuoco, the Mexican Grand Prix has already delivered more drama than anyone expected before a single lap of qualifying.

The paddock is buzzing, cameras are flashing, and the sense of anticipation is electric.

Will this be remembered as a clever strategic move — or a rare misstep in Hamilton’s first season in red?

Either way, this weekend in Mexico has already written its own story: one of surprise, ambition, and a glimpse into Ferrari’s future.

Because in Formula 1, even a single practice session can ignite an entire season’s worth of intrigue.

And as one fan perfectly summed it up online:

“Hamilton might have stepped out of the car — but he’s still the center of every conversation.”