F1 Considers More 2025 Rookie Free Practices

F1 is pondering additional free practice sessions for rookie drivers in 2025, favoring this over exclusive races.

Formula 1 is considering ways to open more opportunities for rookie drivers.

During the recent F1 Commission meeting, a “wildcard” system proposal requiring teams to field a rookie in a Grand Prix at least once or twice per season was discussed.

However, the occasional addition of a third driver per team was ruled out due to cost reasons, and teams could not agree on whether an existing race driver should simply sit out a race in deference to a young driver.

Another proposal still on the table is a unique sprint race reserved for rookie or inexperienced drivers, which might take place in Abu Dhabi after the season finale.

Either initiative would be music to the ears of some of the most overlooked promising young drivers—like the 2023 F2 runner-up, Frederik Vesti (photo), who is now working behind the scenes as a simulator driver for Mercedes F1.

The 22-year-old Dane’s manager, Dorte Riis Madsen, stated that seeing newcomers like Kimi Antonelli (17 years old) being promoted ahead of Vesti was “worse than frustrating.”

“It is hard to see how other young drivers are mentioned for a seat, while we are not mentioned in the rumors. For Frederik, it’s tough to swallow.”

“We constantly receive offers from elsewhere, but while we want to be in Formula 1 because he has his chances, the joy is not the same to receive these calls from Japan, the USA, or elsewhere.”

“In reality, a copy-paste of (Liam) Lawson or (Oliver) Bearman would suffice for him to have the opportunity to participate in a race weekend or two.”

“I’ve heard a lot about these initiatives for young drivers, sprint races for them, and so many other things. I don’t believe in them, as many less ambitious things have already been pushed back.”

“But there is still on the table the possibility that there might be much more free practice for young drivers next year. We hope so.”