For 2022, all 10 F1 teams are required to run a ‘young ♏driver’ in two FP1 sessions durin🦂g the year.

A rookie driver is defined as someone who “may not have participated in more than tw🐭o F1 World Championship Races durꦺing their career”.

Who is Hamilton's replacement?

De Vries will replace Hamilton in the first p🌠ractice session at the Circuit Paul Ricard 🦹on Friday.

The Dutchman alread🦂y got a taste for F1 earlier in the year, driving for Williams 🦩in FP1 at the Spanish Grand Prix.

Despite his wealth of motorsport experience, winning the F2 and Formula E titles, de Vries meets the🌳 criteria.

De Vries was in the frame ♈to make his F1 debꦡut in 2022 with Williams but lost out on the seat to Alex Albon.

Mercedes outlined in their pre-weekend press release: “Nyck de Vries will be driving in place of Lewis Hamilton in FP1. Over the course of the season, each driver is required to give up one of their first practice sessions for a youn♔g driver. 

“Lewis has selected FP1 i✤n France for his session, and George's will take place later in 𒊎the season.”

Will it impact Mercedes' chances at the F1 French Grand Prix?

Mercedes are expected to perform strongly this weekend with the smooth trac💮k surface likely going to suit the W13.

Additionally, the warmer temperatures 🎃will benefit Mercedes’ common tyre warm-up issu🔯es. 

Hamilton is one o💃f the most experienced drivers on the grid with nearly 300 grands prix his name.

While missing FP1 isn’t 100 per cent ideal, particularly given how tricky the W13 is to set up, Hamilton’s experience and track record at Paul Ricard (three wins in four attempts) shouldn’t be too de༒trimental for the rest of the weekend.