Four F1 teams field rookie drivers in Hungarian GP practice

Four Formula 1 teams will field rookie drivers during the first practice session for the Hungarian Grand Prix this weekend, providing valuable track time for emerging talent ahead of the sport's summer shutdown. McLaren, Haas, Alpine, and Cadillac will each substitute one of their regular race drivers for the opening hour of running at the Hungaroring on Friday, July 24.

McLaren will entrust its MCL40 to reserve driver Leonardo Fornaroli, who will take over from Oscar Piastri. The 21-year-old Italian, a back-to-back Formula 3 and Formula 2 champion, made his first practice appearance for the team last month in Barcelona. Fornaroli expressed his readiness for the opportunity, stating he has been preparing extensively in the simulator and at the team's performance center. The session coincides with a significant upgrade package being introduced by McLaren, which includes a new floor and aerodynamic parts, as the team aims to close the gap to the front of the grid.

At Cadillac, American Formula 2 star Colton Herta will replace Valtteri Bottas, marking his second practice outing of the season after a previous run in Barcelona. Haas will give its seat to Japanese veteran Ryo...