Every Formula 1 team is required to hand a rookie driver — defined as someone who has started no more than one grand prix — at least two FP1 sessions in 2026. With four cars per team needing to satisfy the rule, that means four rookie outings minimum across the season. With the Hungarian Grand Prix marking the halfway point before the summer break, several teams have already ticked the box. Some have gone further.

Aston Martin Leads Rookie Session Count

Jak Crawford leads the count with three FP1 appearances for Aston Martin — Japan, Austria and Belgium — as the team throws everything at development ahead of what is expected to be a significant upgrade weekend in Hungary. The AMR26 has underperformed all season, and Aston Martin will debut a B-spec version of the car imminently. Crawford's track time is clearly part of a broader rebuild effort.

Racing Bulls Meet FP1 Requirements Early

Racing Bulls also have three rookie sessions logged. Arvid Lindblad's race entries — Australia and China — technically satisfied his side of the garage by round two given his rookie status under the regulations, while Ayumu Iwasa added a third outing in Austria. McLaren have used Leonardo Fornaroli in Barcelona and Hungary; Mercedes have deployed Frederik Vesti at the same two rounds; Ferrari ticked their box with Dino Beganovic in Barcelona and Austria. Cadillac have confirmed Colton Herta for FP1 in Hungary, which completes their second session with him.

With Hungary the last race before the summer shutdown, any team yet to complete their full quota faces a tight window. Track the full championship standings and follow all the action at race centre as the first half of 2026 wraps up at the Hungaroring.