Formula One has officially put the brakes on a planned sprint race featuring rookie drivers in Abu Dhabi at the end of the season. The idea, which had been gaining traction for a while, was ultimately shelved following a meeting of the Formula One Commission at the Red Bull Racing team’s factory in Faenza, Italy.
While the concept received significant support, the FIA explained in a statement that the decision to postpone was due to “timing and organisational constraints.” The governing body is however, not abandoning the idea entirely. They’ve stated that “discussions will continue to formulate a potential concept and plan for 2025.”
The proposed sprint race, which would have taken place on the same day as qualifying for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, was designed to give 10 rookie drivers the chance to compete against each other in current F1 cars. The format would have allowed them to gain valuable experience without the pressure of damaging a team’s race car.
The decision to postpone the sprint race comes as a slight disappointment to those who were eagerly anticipating it. However, the FIA’s willingness to continue exploring the concept gives hope for a future where rookie drivers can get more track time in the pinnacle of motorsports. The season finale in Abu Dhabi is scheduled for December 8th, and the sprint race for the rookies will be missed for this year.
