After a very long year, the Formula 1 preparing for the last race of the season. The stage, as usual, is that of Abu Dhabi which is preparing to lower the curtain with some small news, especially for the pilots rookie during FP1.
On track for the last race of the year
As is well known, Formula 1 teams have an obligation to field a rookie at least twice during the season. Considering, however, the various battles between the teams (which could be those for the title or, as in this season, for second place in the constructors), the teams always prefer to resort to using this formula always in the last stage with the Abu Dhabi GP. In view of the Yas Marina weekend, in fact, there will be as many as 10 rookies will take part in the first free practice session. An important number, which makes it clear how much this rule - ultimately - doesn't make the teams particularly crazy.
GP Abu Dhabi, the FP1 drivers
Of the 10 rookie drivers who will take part in the FP1 of the Abu Dhabi GP, only Red Bull is the only team that has chosen to replace both Max Verstappen, this season's world champion, and Sergio Perez, officially vice world champion since Las Vegas GP last week. In their place, there will be Formula E champion Jake Dennis, together with Isaac Hadjar. At Ferrari, however, it will be Schwartzman to take the place of Charles Leclerc, while as far as Mercedes is concerned it will be the turn of News (involved among other things in the fight for the F2 title against Pourchaire) replace Hamilton. In addition to Hamilton, another multiple champion will also have to rest, namely Fernando Alonso. The third driver will be driving his AMR23 Drugovich.
To close the list
The change will also take place in McLaren: Norris out, in O'Ward (who already races in IndyCar with the British team). Double commitment, considering F2, also for Doohan on track with Alpine in Free Practice 1 in place of Ocon. Closing the long list are Alfa Romeo, with Pourchaire who will replace Zhou, Haas who will bring Bearman back on track and Williams with O'Sullivan who, ahead of his debut in F2 from 2024, will replace Albon aboard the FW45.
Rookie on track in the FP1 of the Abu Dhabi GP, the list
Red Bull: Jake Dennis and Isack Hadjar instead of Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez
Classic Ferrari for sale: Robert Shwartzman replacing Charles Leclerc
Classic Mercedes for sale: Frederik Dress up Lewis Hamilton instead
Alpine: Jack Doohan instead of Esteban Ocon
McLaren: Pato O'Ward replaces Lando Norris
Alfa Romeo: Theo Pourchaire replacing Theo Porchaire
Aston Martin: Felipe Drugovich replacing Fernando Alonso
Haas: Oliver Bearman replaces Nico Hulkenberg
Williams: Zak O'Sullivan on Alexander Albon's post
