Leclerc to miss the opening practice session in Austria

Six rookie drivers will take part in FP1 at the 2026 Austrian Grand Prix, as teams continue to fulfil the FIA‑mandated requirement to run young drivers—defined as those with no more than two Grand Prix starts—in two practice sessions per car each season.

The Red Bull Ring will therefore open its weekend with a diverse group of rising talents stepping into top‑flight machinery, offering a valuable snapshot of the next generation for teams.

Ferrari hands Charles Leclerc’s SF‑26 to Dino Beganovic, marking the Swede’s fourth FP1 outing and his second in as many race weekends after finishing P8 in Barcelona. Currently sixth in Formula 2, Beganovic continues to build experience as a long‑time member of the Ferrari Driver Academy.

Fresh from his Barcelona run, Ayumu Iwasa returns—this time replacing Liam Lawson at Racing Bulls. The 2025 Super Formula champion and Red Bull programme stalwart enters his seventh FP1 appearance, adding further mileage to his growing résumé.

Haas fields Ryo Hirakawa in Esteban Ocon’s VF‑26 for the Japanese driver’s first FP1 of 2026. A Le Mans winner and Toyota WEC regular, Hirakawa brings extensive endurance racing experience to what will be his seventh FP1 session.

After being sidelined by an electrical issue in Barcelona, Luke Browning finally gets his 2026 FP1 mileage—this time stepping into Carlos Sainz’s Williams. The Super Formula competitor and Williams reserve officially records his sixth FP1 appearance.

Audi once again calls on Paul Aron, who impressed with P6 in Barcelona. The Alpine reserve continues his loan arrangement with the Hinwil‑based squad, taking over Gabriel Bortoleto’s car for his seventh FP1 outing.

Aston Martin’s American junior Jak Crawford returns for his fourth FP1 session, replacing Lance Stroll. After finishing runner‑up in the 2025 F2 championship, Crawford continues to strengthen his case for future F1 opportunities.