Lewis Hamilton Replaced by Antonio Fuoco for FP1 at the Mexican Grand Prix as Ferrari

Ferrari have confirmed that Antonio Fuoco will step in for Lewis Hamilton during Friday’s first practice session (FP1) at the Mexican Grand Prix, as part of the team’s ongoing driver development programme. The announcement came just days after the United States Grand Prix, where Hamilton narrowly missed the podium in both the sprint and the main race.

The temporary change marks the second time this season that Ferrari have rotated one of their lead drivers out of an FP1 session to give testing mileage to reserve or academy talent.

“Antonio will drive in FP1 as part of our simulator-to-track development programme,” Ferrari said in a statement. “Lewis and Charles [Leclerc] will resume regular duties from FP2 onward.”

Fuoco’s Return to the Cockpit

For Ferrari fans, Fuoco is a familiar name. The 31-year-old Italian, who serves as Ferrari’s official reserve and simulator driver, has spent years working behind the scenes on setup and data correlation between Ferrari’s virtual testing environment and its on-track performance.

Fuoco last participated in a Formula 1 session at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza earlier this year, where he impressed engineers with his feedback and consistency. His recall for Mexico underscores Ferrari’s confidence in his technical skill and loyalty to the team.

“It’s always a great honour to represent Ferrari on track,” Fuoco said in a team interview. “The goal is to provide accurate data, support the race drivers, and help the team refine our package for the weekend.”

His experience will be especially valuable at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, a circuit notorious for its high altitude and demanding conditions. Cars often suffer cooling issues and unpredictable downforce levels due to the thin air in Mexico City — making it a prime testing ground for simulation validation.

Hamilton’s Season So Far

Hamilton, who joined Ferrari at the start of 2025 after 12 seasons and six titles with Mercedes, has endured a challenging debut year in red. Despite glimpses of form — including strong fourth-place finishes in both the Sprint and Grand Prix last weekend in Austin — he remains sixth in the Drivers’ Championship and is yet to claim a podium.

The seven-time world champion’s move to Ferrari was one of the sport’s most talked-about transfers, hailed as a chance to rekindle the Scuderia’s championship hopes. But reliability issues, tire wear, and inconsistent race pace have plagued Ferrari throughout the season.

Sources close to the team say Hamilton has been pushing relentlessly behind the scenes to improve the SF-25’s balance and traction, while also bringing a “Mercedes-style” feedback culture into Maranello.

“Lewis has been instrumental in refining our car direction,” said a Ferrari insider. “Even when he’s not driving, he’s deeply involved in data analysis and strategy calls.”

As such, his one-session break in Mexico is not a demotion or performance-related move — it’s part of Ferrari’s long-term testing strategy, one required by FIA regulations mandating teams to give rookie or reserve drivers track time in at least two FP1 sessions per season.

Ferrari’s Midfield Battle Intensifies

With just four races remaining in the 2025 season, Ferrari are locked in a tight battle with Aston Martin and McLaren for third place in the Constructors’ Championship. Every session now matters for setup refinement and tire understanding — two areas where the team has struggled on high-altitude circuits.

Hamilton’s replacement in FP1 allows Ferrari to split data collection efforts more effectively. Fuoco will focus on long-run tire degradation, while Leclerc’s side of the garage will test aerodynamic configurations for Saturday’s qualifying.

“We’re using every opportunity to prepare for 2026,” Ferrari team principal Frédéric Vasseur said. “Antonio’s feedback helps us bridge the simulator gap. Lewis and Charles will get the car’s final tune-up in FP2.”

Vasseur also emphasized that the move was not a sign of discontent. “Lewis remains fully committed to the team’s direction — his leadership and experience are central to our progress,” he said.

Fuoco and the Bigger Picture

Antonio Fuoco has been a crucial behind-the-scenes figure for Ferrari’s operations. His simulator work has contributed to tire management breakthroughs and improved correlation between factory models and race setups.

Many within Ferrari’s camp believe Fuoco’s FP1 outings are as much about recognition as they are about research.

“Antonio doesn’t get the spotlight, but the engineers swear by his feedback,” said one source close to the team. “He’s a silent weapon.”

Fuoco himself downplayed expectations ahead of the session:

“I’m not here to chase lap times,” he said. “I’m here to help Lewis and Charles fight on Sunday.”

Hamilton Looks Ahead

Hamilton, meanwhile, will resume his usual duties in FP2 and focus on optimizing Ferrari’s race pace. He acknowledged the team’s collaborative approach in a brief statement posted to social media.

“Team effort always comes first. Excited to see Antonio in the car — and ready to get back in for FP2,” Hamilton wrote.

As Ferrari’s season nears its conclusion, the story of Hamilton’s first year in red remains one of persistence and patience rather than podiums. Whether the team’s gamble pays off before the 2026 regulation reset remains to be seen.

For now, the spotlight briefly shifts from Hamilton to Fuoco — a reminder that in Formula 1, progress often depends on teamwork, not just stardom.