F1 teams field rookies in Barcelona practice session as stars sit out

Formula 1 teams are set to feature rookie reserve drivers during the first practice session at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix on June 12, 2026. Lewis Hamilton and Kimi Antonelli will not participate, allowing Fred Vesti of Mercedes and Dino Beganovic of Ferrari to drive their cars. McLaren’s Leo Fornaroli and Red Bull's Ayumu Iwasa will also make their appearances in a push to fulfill the rookie session requirements mandated for the season. Most teams are expected to take advantage of this session to integrate their young talent, as they have to offer two practice opportunities to rookies during the season.