F1’s Plan for a Rookie-Only Sprint Race in Abu Dhabi Postponed Until 2025
F1 has decided to postpone the proposal for a rookie-only sprint race following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix by one year.
The idea of holding a 10-car sprint event exclusively for rookie drivers on the Tuesday after the season finale in Abu Dhabi had received widespread support from the teams but has now been pushed to next year.
A plan will be formulated to implement this concept at the end of the 2025 season due to “timing and organizational constraints” raised during the latest F1 Commission meeting held on Wednesday.
“The concept of a ‘rookie race’ to be added to the post-season test schedule for 2024 in Abu Dhabi was discussed,” an FIA statement read. “While the concept received widespread support, it was determined that due to timing and organizational constraints, the event will not take place in 2024, and discussions will continue to develop a potential concept and plan for 2025.”
Amendments to the 2026 Rules and Nine Test Days
The FIA also announced amendments to the regulations for 2026. “These involve an increase in the expected aerodynamic performance of the cars, following extensive collaboration between the teams and the FIA over the past few months,” they specified.
“The 2026 Financial Regulations will represent an evolution of the current regulatory framework. The objectives of the 2026 regulations are to ensure a competitive balance between sporting fairness and financial sustainability.”
“These three updates will be presented at the World Motor Sport Council meeting scheduled for Thursday, October 17.”
In addition, the FIA confirmed that pre-season testing ahead of the 2026 season will consist of three, three-day test sessions. “The 2026 Sporting Regulations have undergone significant revisions aimed at simplifying their structure,” they explained. “In terms of substance, the 2026 pre-season test schedule will involve three sessions of three days, acknowledging the challenges posed by the new Power Unit Regulations.”
