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The F1 Commission has ruled out running a special ‘rookie race’ for young drivers at the end of the season – but is keen to explore the concept for 2025.
The idea to run a race in current Formula 1 machinery for a grid of young drivers after the final Grand Prix of the season in Abu Dhabi was being considered, but at an F1 Commission meeting on Wednesday chaired by FIA Single-Seater Director Nikolas Tombazis and Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali, it was decided not to go ahead with the proposed event this year, but instead to look at whether such a race was possible in 2025.
A statement released on Wednesday evening confirmed: “The concept of a ‘rookie race’ to be added to the 2024 post-season test schedule at Abu Dhabi was discussed.
“While the concept received widespread support, it was determined that due to timing and organisational constraints, the event would not take place in 2024, and discussions will continue to formulate a potential concept and plan for 2025.”
The Commission, which met at the RB F1 team HQ in Faneza, Italy, did however discuss some changes to the regulations for the 2026 season.
Firstly, it’s been agreed that the pre-season testing schedule will involve three, three-day tests, “in recognition of the challenges presented by the new Power Unit Regulations,” which will come into force for 2026.