What happened: Red Bull confirmed reserve driver Ayumu Iwasa took the wheel of the RB22 for the opening 60-minute session at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. The run marks Iwasa's second practice appearance of 2026 after he piloted an RB22 in Spain earlier this season.

Why it matters: Verstappen steps aside for the rookie practice requirement before returning to the cockpit for the remainder of the race weekend. The three-time world champion enters Mexico City following a third-place finish at Circuit of the Americas behind Kimi Antonelli and Charles Leclerc.

What to watch: Verstappen returns to the car for Free Practice 2 as Red Bull prepares for Saturday qualifying.