Nearly Half the F1 Grid to Feature New Drivers in Abu Dhabi FP1
Nearly half of the Formula 1 grid will see new faces in the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix's first free practice session, with nine drivers making an appearance. This includes four Formula 2 talents, IndyCar star Pato O'Ward, and various reserve drivers, providing a crucial opportunity for them to gain F1 experience and showcase their skills on the Yas Marina Circuit.
The 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix's first free practice session (FP1) is set to feature a significantly altered grid, with nine new drivers taking the wheel. This shake-up includes a mix of Formula 2 talents, reserve drivers, and a notable IndyCar star, promising a fresh look for the season-ending practice.
Why it matters:
This extensive change in FP1 drivers offers a crucial opportunity for emerging talents and seasoned reserve drivers to gain valuable F1 track time. For teams, it's a chance to evaluate potential future stars under Grand Prix conditions, while for fans, it provides an early glimpse of new faces in the world of Formula 1. It also fulfills the mandatory requirement for teams to run rookie drivers in at least two FP1 sessions per season.
The Details:
- Nine Drivers Confirmed: A substantial nine drivers will participate in FP1, replacing nearly half of the regular grid members.
- F2 Talents: Four current Formula 2 drivers are set to make an appearance:
- Jak Crawford (Aston Martin): Currently second in the F2 standings, he will drive the AMR25.
- Cian Shields (Aston Martin): Despite not yet scoring points in F2, he gets a shot with Aston Martin, replacing Lance Stroll.
- Arvid Lindblad (Red Bull): Steps in for Yuki Tsunoda.
- Luke Browning (Williams): Takes over Alexander Albon's seat.
- Reserve and Other Series Drivers: A diverse group from other racing categories and team reserve roles will also feature:
- Pato O'Ward (McLaren): The IndyCar driver will replace Oscar Piastri, as exclusively revealed by GPblog.
- Arthur Leclerc (Ferrari): Charles Leclerc's brother will once again join the grid, driving Lewis Hamilton's car.
- Ayumu Iwasa (Racing Bulls): The Super Formula champion and reserve driver will replace Liam Lawson.
- Paul Aron (Alpine): This will be his fourth FP1 outing this season, taking over from Pierre Gasly.
- Ryo Hirakawa (Haas): Replaces Esteban Ocon.
The big picture:
Teams are utilizing the final Grand Prix weekend to fulfill their young driver obligations, providing a platform for these talents to showcase their skills. For drivers like Crawford and O'Ward, it's a critical moment to impress F1 team principals and potentially pave the way for future opportunities. The diverse backgrounds of these drivers underscore F1's commitment to scouting talent globally, not just from its direct feeder series.
What's next:
All eyes will be on the Yas Marina Circuit during FP1 to see how these new drivers perform. Strong outings could significantly boost their prospects for full-time F1 seats in the coming years. Their performances will be closely scrutinized by team strategists and talent scouts, influencing future driver market decisions as the 2026 regulations loom large.