Breaking: F1 teams postpone revolutionary race plan

F1 bosses have opted to abandon plans to hold a rookie sprint race this season.

The idea had been under discussion for some time, but following the latest meeting of the F1 Commission, the race will not go ahead.

The event was due to take place at Abu Dhabi's Yas Marina Circuit on December 10, the Tuesday after the curtain comes down on this F1 season at the Middle East venue.

It offered the chance to boost on-track time in current cars for junior prospects given testing opportunities have been slashed in recent years as a cost-saving measure.

The post-season test in Abu Dhabi and a maximum of two FP1 sessions per year are the only opportunities for rookie drivers to have experience in up-to-date machinery. Otherwise, they clock up mileage in two-year-old cars.

While the plan has been scrapped for this year, the idea will be revisited for a potential debut of the event in 2025.

“The concept of a 'rookie race' to be added to the 2024 post-season test schedule at Abu Dhabi was discussed,” read a statement from the FIA. 

“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.”