New driver lineup confirmed as SIX F1 drivers replaced due to…..read more
The upcoming Bahrain Grand Prix will see a significantly altered driver lineup for the first practice session, as six Formula 1 drivers are being temporarily replaced. This change comes in light of new regulations introduced by the FIA for the 2025 season, aiming to create more opportunities for young and emerging talents in the sport.
Among the notable changes, one of the most impactful is the mandatory inclusion of rookie drivers during certain practice sessions. Under the new rules, each Formula 1 team is now required to run a rookie driver in each of their two cars at least twice during the season. This means that over the course of the year, teams must dedicate a minimum of four free practice sessions to drivers who have limited or no prior experience in Formula 1 races. This initiative is designed to nurture the next generation of F1 drivers, offering them valuable on-track experience in a real Grand Prix setting.
These changes align with the FIA’s broader vision for enhancing the competitive balance and sustainability of the sport by developing new talent. The decision to implement this rule is also a strategic one, as it provides teams with a structured framework for evaluating young drivers in a real-time, high-pressure environment, which is essential for making informed decisions about future contracts and development programs.
The Bahrain Grand Prix serves as an ideal location for implementing these new rules. Since Bahrain hosted the 2025 pre-season testing, many of the regular drivers have already logged extensive mileage on the track earlier in the year. As a result, skipping a single practice session here will not severely impact their preparation or performance for the actual race weekend. This scenario creates a low-risk opportunity for teams to fulfill the rookie participation requirement without compromising their overall competitiveness.
By giving young drivers a platform to showcase their skills in such an environment, the FIA hopes to create a clearer path from junior racing categories to the top tier of motorsport. Moreover, these new rules aim to increase diversity and expand the talent pool available to Formula 1 teams in the coming years.
While the temporary replacement of six established drivers might appear surprising to fans, it reflects a long-term investment in the sport’s future. Teams are already embracing the rule change by introducing fresh faces to the grid during the Bahrain GP practice, marking the beginning of a more inclusive and development-focused era in Formula 1.P
