Drivers taking part in FP1 at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will include multiple F1 debutants, as teams look to complete their mandatory allocation at the final race of the season.
Formula 1’s sporting regulations state every team must run a rookie driver — who has started no more than two grands prix — on at least two occasions during the season. Each race driver has to miss one FP1 each, although teams are also allowed to exceed the total if they wish.
With Abu Dhabi marking the final round of the season and a venue where there is no Sprint race, FP1 is often utilized due to the weather conditions. FP2, qualifying and the race all take place at sunset, while FP1 and FP3 are in the heat of the day and less representative.
The top three teams in the constructors’ championship are all running rookies on Friday, with current leader McLaren giving a debut to Ryo Hirakawa. The 30-year-old Toyota-backed driver has been part of the McLaren driver development program and served as reserve this year, and will also drive for Haas — that has a Toyota partnership — in the post-race test.
Ferrari will provide a unique opportunity as it gives another first chance to one of its driver academy members in the form of Arthur Leclerc. As the younger brother of Charles (pictured middle, above, with Arthur Leclerc at right)