P1racenews AI automatic summary:
F1 star set for session absence as team announce driver swap for Spanish Grand Prix
A Formula 1 driver will miss a session at this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix as a young racing star makes his debut in the sport. The race at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya will see new changes, including strict tests on flexible front wings per a new technical directive from the FIA. Williams’ junior star Victor Martins will replace Alex Albon for a session on Friday, expressing excitement and gratitude for the opportunity. F1 teams replace their drivers for FP1 as part of a rule requiring all teams to run a rookie driver in FP1 at least twice in each of their cars in 2025. This marks Martins’ first outing in an F1 car on track, after his simulator work and testing efforts were recognized.
