Oscar Piastri has been swapped out by McLaren for Friday’s first practice session at the Hungarian Grand Prix.
The Australian, 25, finished fifth in Belgium last weekend despite making contact with Charles Leclerc on the eighth lap while attempting an overtake.
Yet he remains down in sixth place in the Drivers’ Championship — and is now just one point ahead of four-time champion Max Verstappen.
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McLaren are bringing an upgrade to Hungary — the final race before the summer break.
However, Piastri will not be in the car for Free Practice 1 as he makes way for back-to-back F2 and F3 champion Leandro Fornaroli.
Italian Fornaroli, 21, has already had a session in the McLaren this season after he replaced Lando Norris for the first practice in Barcelona.
Now he will get another run in the MCL40 — including some fresh upgrades such as a new floor, aerodynamic improvements, and a “macarena” or “flip-over” wing.
F1 teams must dedicate at least four mandatory Free Practice sessions per year to “young drivers” — those with two Grands Prix starts or less.
Piastri will return to the McLaren for the second practice session, but will have less time than teammate Norris to get up to speed with the changes.
“I’m looking forward to driving the MCL40 in this weekend’s Free Practice 1 at the Hungaroring,” Fornaroli said.
“It’s going to be another fantastic opportunity to continue my development with the car and build on the valuable work we completed together with the team in Barcelona.
“Every session is a chance to learn more, gain confidence and contribute to the team’s program for the weekend.
“I’ve been very busy in Woking over the past few weeks preparing this session in both the simulator to make sure I’ll be ready as I can.
“I’m really grateful to everybody at McLaren for all the support they’ve given to me so far.
“I can’t wait to get out on track on Friday, have fun and make the most of every lap to help the team.”
Meanwhile, Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli goes to Hungary in search of a seventh win from 11 races this season.
The 19-year-old leads Lewis Hamilton by 46 points, while Antonelli’s teammate George Russell is a further five points adrift.