Source:REUTERS/Edgar Su
[Saba Sports News] F1 originally planned to hold a rookie sprint race after this December’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, requiring all teams to use two cars: one driven by a rookie driver and another used by the team’s official driver to test Pirelli’s tires for the 2025 season. The initial idea was to extend the test day by one day and hold a sprint race for rookie drivers on the second day. However, this idea faced challenges as F2 drivers were already scheduled for testing on that day. Additionally, this plan encountered numerous logistical challenges, and FIA rules would need to be adjusted accordingly since existing rules are designed for test days. Earlier this week, after discussions at the FIA Sports Advisory Committee meeting, F1 ultimately abandoned the post-season rookie sprint race plan. An FIA spokesperson stated that scheduling a rookie sprint race this year was too rushed and that this event would be incorporated into the 2025 rule framework. Some fans expressed that a rookie sprint race would be very attractive for teams planning to introduce rookie drivers in the following year as it would provide rookies with a valuable opportunity to showcase their skills.