Oscar Piastri faces a setback in his quest for the Formula 1 championship this weekend, as he is one of nine drivers forced to skip the first practice session at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix due to a new rule introduced in 2025.
The race at the Yas Marina Circuit will determine the season’s champion, with Piastri, Lando Norris, and Max Verstappen contending for the top spot. While a podium finish for Norris could secure him the title, any errors could give his rivals an opportunity.
With so much at stake in Abu Dhabi, it’s crucial for drivers to maximize their practice time. Nearly half of the grid will miss out on the initial hour of running as teams are required to give rookie drivers a chance.
Throughout the season, each team must provide two rookie drivers with practice sessions, totaling four sessions per team. As a result, several new faces will be seen in FP1 this weekend.
Piastri will be replaced by Pato O’Ward in his McLaren, while Lewis Hamilton will also sit out the session, with Arthur Leclerc taking his place at Ferrari. Various other drivers, such as Arvid Lindblad, Ayumu Iwasa, and Ryo Hirakawa, will step in for different teams during FP1.
Alpine has completed its rookie practice session requirements, allowing George Russell, Kimi Antonelli, Nico Hulkenberg, and Gabriel Bortoleto to participate as usual. The final weekend of the season in Abu Dhabi is an ideal time for rookie sessions, providing valuable experience for young drivers looking to secure full-time seats in the future.
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