An Italian returns to drive a Ferrari during a Formula 1 weekend after 16 years: as confirmed by the Maranello team on social media, Antonio Fuoco will replace Lewis Hamilton at the wheel of the SF-25 in the FP1 of the Mexican Grand Prix. Official driver of the Cavallino in Endurance competitions and winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2024, Fuoco will take to the track alongside Charles Leclerc as part of his development driver program for the Scuderia. The Italian, despite having already taken to the track several times with an F1 car during private test sessions, is considered a rookie and, for this reason, was chosen by Ferrari to take part in one of the four seasonal sessions intended for rookies, as required by the regulations. Sixteen years ago, in 2009, the last two Italians to take to the track were Luca Badoer and Giancarlo Fisichella, both replacing Felipe Massa after the serious accident at the Hungaroring. The Italian driver will take Hamilton’s place because the Englishman, so far, has not yet missed any sessions during the season, unlike Charles Leclerc.
The driver celebrates the event on social media with a message in English for all his followers: “Mexico, see you on the track for FP1! Ready to give your best!”