P1racenews AI automatic summary:
It is mandatory for all F1 teams to run rookie drivers on at least two occasions during the 2023 season.
In the season-ending Abu Dhabi GP, nine out of the ten Formula 1 (F1) teams have chosen to run their rookie drivers. Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez from the dominant constructor, as well as Charles Leclerc from Ferrari, will sit out of the first practice (FP1) at the Yas Marina Circuit. Jake Dennis, the reigning Formula E champion and the team’s simulator driver since 2018, will drive the RB19 for Red Bull. Isack Hadjar, a 19-year-old Frenchman currently 14th in the Formula 2 drivers’ standings, will also drive for Red Bull, having already experienced an F1 car with AlphaTauri in Mexico. Robert Shwartzman, the F2 runner-up this year, will replace Charles Leclerc in the Ferrari for FP1, marking his fourth outing in FP1 for the team. Mercedes is giving Frederik Vesti, a title contender in the 2023 F2 championship, another chance to drive the W14, having previously driven in FP1 at the Mexico City Grand Prix. Pato O’Ward, a star in the IndyCar series, will step in for Lando Norris in the McLaren, while Jack Doohan will be Alpine’s official reserve driver. Theo Pourchaire is set to win this year’s F2 title in Abu Dhabi and will drive for Alfa Romeo in FP1. Drugovich, the 2022 F2 champion, will serve as Aston Martin’s reserve driver for 2024. Oliver Bearman, part of the Ferrari junior academy, is considered Britain’s next hope for an F1 driver, and Zak O’Sullivan will replace Alex Albon in FP1 for Williams. O’Sullivan, who finished runner-up in F3 this year, will make the move up to F2 in 2024.
