Image: from F1 LEGENDADA X@F1Legendada
The 2025 FIA Formula One World Championship implemented a strict rule requiring every team to field a driver who has competed in no more than two F1 races during at least four free practice sessions throughout the season (twice for each of its two mandatory cars). This mandate provides invaluable track time for promising young talent while giving teams a chance to evaluate prospects.
The season saw several prominent figures utilize these sessions to make their F1 weekend debuts or fulfill their required slots early. Rookies like Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber), Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls), and Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) quickly fulfilled the full requirement for their respective cars by participating in the Australian and Chinese Grands Prix. Similarly, Jack Doohan completed one of Alpine’s required sessions at the Australian Grand Prix.
The comprehensive list below details all the drivers who took part in either the first or second free practice sessions (FP1 or FP2) for their constructors during the 2025 campaign:
| Constructor | Practice Drivers | No. | Driver Name | Rounds Participated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine-Renault | Ryō Hirakawa, Paul Aron | 62, 61 | Ryō Hirakawa, Paul Aron | 3, 16, 20, 24 |
| Aston Martin Aramco-Mercedes | Felipe Drugovich, Jak Crawford, Cian Shields | 34, 35, 34 | Felipe Drugovich, Jak Crawford, Cian Shields | 4, 14, 20, 24, 24 |
| Ferrari | Dino Beganovic, Antonio Fuoco, Arthur Leclerc | 38, 38, 39 | Dino Beganovic, Antonio Fuoco, Arthur Leclerc | 4, 11, 20, 24 |
| Haas-Ferrari | Ryō Hirakawa | 50 | Ryō Hirakawa | 4, 9, 20, 24 |
| Kick Sauber-Ferrari | Paul Aron | 97 | Paul Aron | 12, 14 |
| McLaren-Mercedes | Alexander Dunne, Patricio O’Ward | 89, 89 | Alexander Dunne, Patricio O’Ward | 11, 16, 20, 24 |
| Mercedes | Frederik Vesti | 72 | Frederik Vesti | 4, 20 |
| Racing Bulls-Honda RBPT | Ayumu Iwasa | 40 | Ayumu Iwasa | 20, 24 |
| Red Bull Racing-Honda RBPT | Ayumu Iwasa, Arvid Lindblad | 37, 36 | Ayumu Iwasa, Arvid Lindblad | 4, 12, 20, 24 |
| Williams-Mercedes | Luke Browning, Victor Martins | 46, 45 | Luke Browning, Victor Martins | 4, 20, 24, 9 |
The sheer variety of names across the grid, including established F2 frontrunners and factory junior drivers, underscores the importance of the free practice rule. It not only ensures that F1 continues to serve as a vital development platform but also provides fans with a glimpse of the drivers who will likely shape the sport in the coming years.
Back to 2025 Formula One Season Portal
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