Aston Martin Confirms Two Rookies for Abu Dhabi FP1, Alonso Sits Out

Aston Martin has confirmed that Fernando Alonso will sit out the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix FP1 session, making way for two rookie drivers: F2 talent Cian Shields and Jak Crawford. This move fulfills the team's mandatory rookie driver obligations for the season and offers both young drivers a crucial opportunity to gain F1 experience at the Yas Marina Circuit.

Why it matters:

• F1 teams are mandated to run rookie drivers in FP1 sessions twice per season, a rule that will increase from once per driver in 2024. Aston Martin's decision to deploy two rookies in Abu Dhabi demonstrates their commitment to driver development and compliance with these regulations.
• Giving young talents like Shields and Crawford track time in current F1 machinery is vital for their development, offering invaluable experience that simulator work or older car tests cannot fully replicate.
• For Aston Martin, this is an opportunity to evaluate potential future talent while also gathering fresh feedback on the AMR25 from drivers new to the car's nuances.

The details:

• Driver Lineup: Cian Shields will take over Fernando Alonso's AMR25 chassis, while Jak Crawford will drive Lance Stroll's car during the Abu Dhabi FP1 session.
• Shields' Background: The 20-year-old Shields is completing his first Formula 2 season, having moved up from Formula 3 last year. His best F2 finish was 11th at Imola.
• Prior Experience: Shields has already completed a TPC (Testing of a Previous Car) test with Aston Martin at Monza, giving him some familiarity with the team's machinery.
• Crawford's Status: Jak Crawford is currently second in the Formula 2 standings, highlighting his strong performance in the feeder series.
• Team's Perspective: Gerry Hughes, Chief Engineer F1 Evolution at Aston Martin, praised Shields' professionalism and development, stating that the FP1 session is a "fantastic way to round out the year."
• Mandatory Obligations: This double rookie outing allows Aston Martin to meet its mandatory rookie driver requirements for the season.

The big picture:

Aston Martin is currently locked in a tight battle for sixth place in the Constructors' Championship, needing to gain 13 points on Racing Bulls to overtake them in the final round, while holding a seven-point lead over Haas for eighth. While the FP1 session focuses on rookie development and regulatory compliance, the team's primary goal in Abu Dhabi will be to secure crucial championship points.

What's next:

Cian Shields and Jak Crawford will make their respective FP1 debuts at the Yas Marina Circuit. Their performances will be closely monitored by Aston Martin and potentially other F1 teams. For Aston Martin, the focus shifts to the main race weekend, where they will aim to maximize their points haul to improve their standing in the Constructors' Championship, a crucial factor for prize money and prestige heading into the off-season.