Several Formula 1 teams will hand their cars to young drivers during Friday's opening practice session at the Hungarian Grand Prix, giving the next generation of talent valuable experience while teams fulfil the sport's rookie running requirements.
At McLaren, Leonardo Fornaroli will replace Oscar Piastri for FP1. The Italian, who is part of McLaren's junior programme, will get the opportunity to drive the MCL40 during an official Grand Prix weekend, while Piastri will return to the car for the remainder of Friday's sessions.
Haas will also make a driver change, with Ollie Bearman stepping aside for Ryo Hirakawa during the opening practice session. The Japanese driver will take drive Bearman's car.
At Alpine, Franco Colapinto will be replaced by Paul Aron for FP1. Aron, an Estonian prospect who has been linked with Alpine's young driver programme, will get the chance to drive the team's car around the Hungaroring before Colapinto returns for the later sessions.
Cadillac will also participate in the rookie running programme, with Colton Herta set to replace Bottas for the opening practice session. The American driver will get another opportunity to familiarise himself with Cadillac's Formula 1 machinery as the new team continues to develop its driver programme.
Mercedes is also making a change, with Frederik Vesti replacing Kimi Antonelli for FP1. Vesti, Mercedes' reserve driver, will step into the championship-leading driver's car for the session, giving him another opportunity to gain experience behind the wheel of the team's current machinery.
For the teams, these sessions provide an opportunity to evaluate emerging talent and gather feedback from drivers with a different perspective. For the rookies, the experience offers valuable exposure to the demands of a Formula 1 weekend.