Antonieli to replace Hamilton in first practice

Mercedes reserve driver Nyck de Vries will also take part in Friday's session

Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton will sit out first practice for the Mexico City Grand Prix as he hands over his Mercedes to reserve driver Antonio Giovinazzi.

The Italian, who raced for Alfa Romeo in Formula 1 from 2019-21, will get his first taste of the 2022 Mercedes during the 60-minute session at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.

Mercedes reserve driver Nyck de Vries will also take part in Friday's running, driving the other W13.

Teams are required to run a rookie or driver who has not competed in more than two Formula 1 races during two of the three practice sessions across the season.

Seven-time world champion Hamilton has already fulfilled that requirement this year, having handed his car over to de Vries at the French and Italian Grands Prix.

Giovinazzi has been linked with a potential return to Formula 1 next year, with Haas a possible destination for the 28-year-old.

He has been racing in Formula E this season, taking two podium finishes for the Dragon Penske Autosport team.

Giovinazzi said: "I'm excited to drive the W13 and to experience the new generation of Formula 1 cars.

"It's a great opportunity for me to learn from a top team and to contribute to their development.

"I'm looking forward to the challenge and I'm grateful to Mercedes for giving me this chance."