An F1 sprint race for rookies could launch next year, promising thrilling new talent and fresh competition.
The idea of F1 organising a sprint race for rookies and young drivers has been well received by the teams… provided it’s scheduled from next year onwards. Logistical, practical, and financial hurdles, of course, stand in the way of launching this ‘junior’ race at the end of this year, following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as initially planned.
“We are excited about the prospect of offering more opportunities to rookie drivers,” assured Toto Wolff of Mercedes F1.
The Mercedes F1 head is therefore in favour of a sprint race for rookies. After the final Grand Prix, sure, but why not during the season?
“The challenge is that if you let them race during a Grand Prix weekend, it could impact the performances of the main drivers, or even influence the race outcome, which would be problematic in a championship battle. We have found no other way [than to race at the end of the year] to allow them to experience the full sequence of a race weekend, push the car and make comparisons.”
“If we race at the end of the year in Abu Dhabi, everyone will be on the same fuel load and the same tyres, it will be interesting to see how they compare in their respective cars. Certainly, this will pose an additional constraint for the team, but we are in the entertainment industry, and it’s the best idea we’ve come up with to give them more driving time.”
Asked whether he supports this idea, Wolff unequivocally responded, “Yes, I believe there was no one in the room who disagreed, as we all share the same goals. We want to give them more visibility and racing time, which is why we’ve reached this point.”
Fred Vasseur, the head of Ferrari, shares this enthusiasm while acknowledging the constraints of current regulations in providing more track time for rookies in the midst of a season…
“With only three days of winter testing, it’s challenging to offer them track time. We had considered giving them more sessions in EL1, but they already compete in 14 races in F2. Moreover, we have the sprint races where it’s impossible to have EL1s (there’s only one free practice session, editor’s note). And then, at some circuits, it’s not simple. We will never forego EL1s in Singapore, Monaco, or Baku. This means that ultimately, we don’t have many opportunities to allow them to test the car under real conditions. I think this opportunity could be a good solution to offer them a full weekend with free practices, qualifying, and a start. Of course, it’s not easy to organise, but I am in favour of this initiative.”
Peter Bayer, the director of RB F1, a team that is tasked with developing young drivers, also supports such an initiative. Despite the costs?
“Yes, I think exactly the same. If you look at how the single-seater pyramid functions today, from karting to Formula 4, 3, 2, you see how many talents emerge. But obviously, at the top, there are only 20 spots, making it difficult for these young drivers to showcase their skills. And at the same time, the EL1s… As Toto mentioned, we had Andrea Kimi Antonelli in EL1, the expectations are huge, everyone is watching. In fact, we don’t even know what tyres he will come out on. Sometimes, there’s an accident, and they only have five minutes to run.”
“I think therefore it would be great to have this rookies’ race, as we could also reach a younger fan base, which is something we really want to do. Overall, we would definitely be supportive of this initiative.”
In their responses, the team heads did not address the question of timing: will this race take place in 2024 or 2025? Undoubtedly, if it’s this year, as FOM desires, they will have to dig deep into their pockets or agree to an increase in the capped budgets.
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Young Drivers’ F1 Sprint Debut Set to Excite Fans Young Drivers’ F1 Sprint Debut Set to Excite Fans
