F1 Delays Rookie Race Concept to 2025
Formula 1’s proposed rookie race, an event aimed at giving young drivers a chance to compete in current F1 cars, has been delayed until at least 2025.
What is a rookie race?
The rookie race was originally scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi after the final Grand Prix in December 2024, and would have allowed up to ten young drivers to compete in a shorter qualifying session and a sprint race, giving teams a better chance to evaluate new talent in actual race conditions without the worry of damaging cars during a full Grand Prix.
The concept was discussed during a meeting of the F1 Commission, which includes representatives from the FIA, Formula 1, and the teams. The meeting, held at the Red Bull Racing HQ in Faenza, concluded that while the idea received broad support, the commission felt that more planning was needed to make the event viable.
A statement released confirmed this, saying that “due to timing and organisational constraints, the event would not take place in 2024, and discussions will continue to formulate a potential concept and plan for 2025.”
F1 Commission discuss changes to F1 regulations for the 2026 season
In addition to discussing the rookie race, the F1 Commission addressed upcoming changes to the sport’s regulations for the 2026 season. These include modifications to the technical regulations, specifically aimed at boosting the aerodynamic performance of the new cars.
Teams had expressed concerns that the current plans would make the cars slower, and the changes aim to strike a better balance between speed, safety, and the new power unit regulations set for 2026.
The commission also agreed to a more streamlined approach to sporting regulations and made adjustments to the financial regulations to ensure a balance between fairness on the track and financial sustainability for the teams.
These changes will be reviewed at the next World Motor Sport Council meeting in mid-October for approval.
While there is no guarantee the rookie race will take place in 2025, discussions will continue to refine the concept and address the logistical issues that have delayed it for now.
