Nearly half the grid changes at the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
The Formula 1 grid will look completely different during the first free practice session of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
A total of nine drivers have been confirmed to drive in FP1 of the upcoming Grand Prix weekend at the Yas Marina Circuit.
The F2 drivers in action
A total of four current Formula 2 drivers will also take part in FP1 on Friday alongside their duties in the feeder series.
For Aston Martin, the duo of Jak Crawford and Cian Shields will replace the team's full-time drivers. The American is currently second in the drivers' standings in the feeder series, while the Scotsman is yet to score a single point.
Arvid Lindblad, who will join Racing Bulls for the 2026 season, will replace Yuki Tsunoda this weekend. Fellow Briton Luke Browning is set to complete his third FP1 outing this year with Williams.
Reserve drivers and others joining from different series
Championship contender Oscar Piastri will not drive in FP1, GPblog could previously reveal in an exclusive article. IndyCar driver Pato O'Ward will be in action alongside Lando Norris on Friday.
Super Formula champion and reserve driver Ayumu Iwasa will replace Liam Lawson, while Paul Aron is set for his fourth FP1 outing this season.
The Leclerc brothers will once again team up in Abu Dhabi, as Arthur Leclerc will take over Lewis Hamilton's car. Ryo Hirakawa will drive in place of Esteban Ocon.
Read also
The complete list of drivers participating in FP1 in Abu Dhabi
| Team | Replaced driver | Driver in action |
| McLaren | Oscar Piastri | Pato O'Ward |
| Ferrari | Lewis Hamilton | Arthur Leclerc |
| Red Bull | Yuki Tsunoda | Arvid Lindblad |
| Williams | Alexander Albon | Luke Browning |
| Aston Martin | Fernando Alonso | Cian Shields |
| Aston Martin | Lance Stroll | Jak Crawford |
| Haas | Esteban Ocon | Ryo Hirakawa |
| Racing Bulls | Liam Lawson | Ayumu Iwasa |
| Alpine | Pierre Gasly | Paul Aron |
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