F1 Commission rules out ‘rookie race’ for this year – but concept will be explored for 2025

The F1 Commission has ruled out running a special ‘rookie race’ for young drivers at the end of the season – but is keen to explore the concept for 2025.

The idea to run a race in current Formula 1 machinery for a grid of young drivers after the final Grand Prix of the season in Abu Dhabi was being considered, but at an F1 Commission meeting on Wednesday chaired by FIA Single-Seater Director Nikolas Tombazis and Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali, it was decided not to go ahead with the proposed event this year, but instead to look at whether such a race was possible in 2025.

A statement released on Wednesday evening confirmed: “The concept of a ‘rookie race’ to be added to the 2024 post-season test schedule at Abu Dhabi was discussed.

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“While the concept received widespread support, it was determined that due to timing and organisational constraints, the event would not take place in 2024, and discussions will continue to formulate a potential concept and plan for 2025.”

The Commission, which met at the RB F1 team HQ in Faneza, Italy, did however discuss some changes to the regulations for the 2026 season.

Firstly, it’s been agreed that the pre-season testing schedule will involve three, three-day tests, “in recognition of the challenges presented by the new Power Unit Regulations,” which will come into force for 2026.

The Technical Regulations themselves for 2026 were also amended at the meeting, specifically in the areas of performance, aerodynamics and safety.

The statement said these changes “involve an increase of the expected aerodynamic performance of the cars following extensive collaboration between the teams and the FIA over the last few months.”

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And finally, the 2026 Financial Regulations were discussed, and it was agreed they will be “an evolution of the current regulatory framework.”

“The objectives of the 2026 regulations are to provide a competitive balance between sporting fairness and financial sustainability,” the statement said.

All proposed changes are subject to approval by the World Motor Sport Council, which will rule on them at their next meeting on Thursday, October 17.