Nine Rookie Drivers Confirmed for 2025 F1 Abu Dhabi GP FP1

Nine rookie drivers from eight different teams are slated to participate in Free Practice 1 at the 2025 F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, marking a significant opportunity for emerging talent to gain crucial F1 experience. This session fulfills the F1 regulation requiring regular drivers to cede their cars for two FP1s annually, with several prominent names, including Oscar Piastri and Lewis Hamilton, still needing to complete one such session.

Why it matters:

• This mass participation of rookies in a single FP1 session highlights the F1 mandate for teams to integrate new talent, providing a critical platform for young drivers to showcase their skills on a Grand Prix weekend. It's a key part of driver development and scouting for future F1 seats.
• The diverse field of drivers from various teams offers a unique glimpse into the next generation of F1 talent, potentially influencing future driver market dynamics and team strategies for 2026 and beyond.

The details:

• A total of nine rookie drivers will take part in the 2025 F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix's Free Practice 1 session.
• These drivers represent eight different Formula 1 teams.
• F1 regulations mandate that each regular race driver must hand over their car for two FP1 sessions throughout the year to give rookie drivers track time.
• Eight regular drivers, including title contender Oscar Piastri and Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton, still need to complete one more mandatory FP1 rookie session.
• Experienced Rookies: Eight of the nine participating rookies already have prior FP1 experience. This includes Arvid Lindblad, who is set to drive for Red Bull in place of Yuki Tsunoda, in preparation for his 2026 Racing Bulls seat.
• Intriguing Debut: Cian Shields, an FIA F2 driver, is the sole participant without previous FP1 experience. He will be taking over Fernando Alonso's Aston Martin.
  • Alonso was not obligated to give up his car again, having already completed his two mandatory sessions with Felipe Drugovich in Bahrain and Hungary. Shields' selection suggests Aston Martin sees significant potential in him despite his F2 record.
• Team Participation: Jak Crawford, Aston Martin's new reserve driver, will take over Lance Stroll's car for his second mandated session, confirming the team's commitment to developing its junior talent.

The big picture:

This extensive rookie presence in Abu Dhabi's FP1 underscores a broader trend in Formula 1 towards nurturing new talent. Teams are increasingly using these sessions not just to comply with regulations but to rigorously evaluate potential future drivers. For these young hopefuls, Abu Dhabi represents a high-stakes audition, a chance to impress decision-makers and potentially pave the way for a full-time F1 career.

What's next:

The performances of these rookie drivers in Abu Dhabi will be closely scrutinized by teams and analysts alike. Strong showings could propel some of these talents onto the fast track for future reserve roles or even a full-time seat in the competitive world of Formula 1, particularly as teams begin to finalize their driver lineups for the 2026 season and beyond. Their data and feedback will also be crucial for teams in their ongoing car development.