On Friday in Abu Dhabi, no fewer than six rookies will be in action during the first free practice session. These will include young talent from
Red Bull Racing and
Ferrari ranks.
No FP1 for Verstappen in Abu Dhabi
Max Verstappen will not be in action during the first free practice session. Isack Hadjar current F2 Drvier's Title contender will take his seat in the Middle Eastern Afternoon. Busy Friday for the Red Bull Junior, who after driving during the
Formula 2 free practice in the morning, will later drive the most important qualifying session of the season. Given the fact that he's only 0,5 points away from Gabriel Bortoleto, leader of the F2 standings, he could very well walk away from the feeder series as champion come the chequeared flag on Sunday.
Leclerc brothers drive together for Ferrari
There will also be another historic moment in
Formula 1. Arthur Leclerc will replace
Carlos Sainz in the Ferrari. This means he will be in action together with his brother,
Charles Leclerc, during the first free practice session in Abu Dhabi.
Furthermore,
McLaren reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa will replace
Oscar Piastri, former
Formula 2 champion Felipe Drugovich will step into
Lance Stroll 's car and Ayumu Iwasa will replace
Yuki Tsunoda. Finally, Luke Browning will replace
Alexander Albon in action for
Williams during the first free practice session at the
Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi.
This article has been written with the help of Cas van de Kleut