A total of nine rookie drivers will participate in the first practice session (FP1) at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. This session marks a significant event in the 2025 Formula 1 season as teams implement lineup changes per regulations.
Rookie Driver Regulations
F1 mandates that each full-time driver must step aside for a rookie driver, defined as someone who has competed in no more than two Grands Prix, during two practice sessions this year. This is an increase from the previous year’s requirement of one session.
Participating Teams and Drivers
Several teams will make lineup adjustments for FP1, including:
- McLaren
- Ferrari
- Red Bull
- Williams
- Racing Bulls
- Haas
- Aston Martin
- Alpine
Pato O’Ward – McLaren
McLaren’s reserve driver, Pato O’Ward, will drive Oscar Piastri’s car. O’Ward previously finished 13th in FP1 at the Mexican Grand Prix. The 26-year-old is under additional scrutiny as Piastri vies for his first world title.
Arthur Leclerc – Ferrari
Arthur Leclerc will replace Lewis Hamilton during FP1. This follows a historical moment last year when he and his brother, Charles, became the first siblings to race together as teammates in F1.
Arvid Lindblad – Red Bull
Arvid Lindblad, confirmed for Racing Bulls in the 2026 season, will take over Yuki Tsunoda’s car. Lindblad has two race wins in Formula 2 this season and previously tested with Red Bull at Silverstone and Mexico City.
Luke Browning – Williams
Luke Browning will take control of Alex Albon’s Williams FW47 for his fourth FP1 appearance. Browning, currently fourth in the Formula 2 standings, has previously driven in Bahrain and Mexico City this season.
Ayumu Iwasa – Racing Bulls
Ayumu Iwasa replaces Liam Lawson and will participate in his fifth FP1 session. He recently clinched the Super Formula title in Japan, showcasing his racing prowess this season.
Ryo Hirakawa – Haas
At Haas, Ryo Hirakawa steps in for Esteban Ocon. This marks his fifth practice session for the team after joining earlier this year.
Jak Crawford – Aston Martin
Young driver Jak Crawford returns to the team, taking over Lance Stroll’s AMR25. Crawford has achieved four wins in the current Formula 2 season.
Cian Shields – Aston Martin
Cian Shields will make his F1 debut driving Fernando Alonso’s car during FP1. Shields has competed in Formula 2 this year, achieving a best result of 12th place.
Paul Aron – Alpine
Lastly, Paul Aron will drive the Alpine A525 for his fifth FP1 appearance. The Estonian finished third in last year’s F2 championship and previously drove for Alpine in various sessions this season.
The Yas Marina Circuit serves as a popular venue for these rookie outings, marking the conclusion of the 2025 season. Fans and teams alike will be eager to see how these rookie drivers perform during their crucial practice sessions.
