P1racenews AI automatic summary:
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has confirmed the sport is looking at implementing a significant change to boost experience for rookie drivers.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali confirmed the consideration of introducing a rookie sprint race to provide young drivers with more experience. Due to reduced track time in current cars, opportunities for young drivers to gain F1 knowledge have dwindled in recent years. The existing regulations mandate each team to allocate two FP1 sessions to a rookie driver throughout the season, in addition to fielding a rookie at the post-season test in Abu Dhabi. An upcoming F1 Commission meeting will discuss a new proposal to organize a sprint race for 10 rookie drivers at the Abu Dhabi test to enhance their competitive skills. Domenicali stated that the aim is to help young drivers shine, gain experience, and prepare them effectively for future career progression. The definition of a rookie driver in F1 is someone who has participated in no more than two Grands Prix, rendering Red Bull reserve driver Liam Lawson ineligible for this opportunity. Several promising drivers like Oliver Bearman, Jack Doohan, and Mercedes’ Andrea Kimi Antonelli, set to debut in FP1 this weekend, could potentially benefit from such a sprint race initiative. Domenicali expressed pride in seeing Antonelli representing Italy and Mercedes, emphasizing the importance of providing young talents with opportunities to develop swiftly without undue pressure, in hopes of inspiring other Italian prospects in the sport.
