Domenicali confirms radical F1 racing plan under discussion

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has confirmed the sport is considering implementing a rookie sprint race to boost experience for young drivers.

Track time in up-to-date machinery has been slashed over the last several years with young drivers having fewer opportunities to obtain F1 knowledge.

The current F1 regulations require every team to hand two FP1 sessions during the season to a rookie driver, while they must also field a rookie at the post-season F1 test in Abu Dhabi.

However, a new idea is set to be discussed at an upcoming F1 Commission meeting which will explore the possibility of setting up a sprint race for 10 rookie drivers as part of the post-season test.

“There is a project on the table, namely the possibility of organising a sprint race for young drivers in Abu Dhabi,” Domenicali told Motorsport.com.

“We are reflecting on how to give young people the opportunity during the Yas Marina test to shine and gain experience - not only by driving in the test, but also in a competitive context.

“It would certainly help their training, aimed at making them prepared for the next step. We will talk about it in detail by the end of September to understand the feasibility of this idea.”

A rookie driver is defined in F1's regulations as a driver that has not taken part in more than two grands prix.

As such, Red Bull reserve driver Liam Lawson would not be eligible for the outing - however if the plan was enforced this year, several others, including 2025 F1 drivers Oliver Bearman and Jack Doohan, would be allowed to take part.

Also qualified to compete would be Mercedes' Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who will make his FP1 debut in Italy this weekend ahead of a widely expected full-time promotion to Silver Arrows next year.

“Antonelli arouses a lot of interest from many points of view,” Domenicali said of compatriot Antonelli. 

“I think that as an Italian seeing him on track can only make us proud and happy, he is an 18-year-old boy who is not only making his debut in Formula 1 but already represents a reference point in the future of a team like Mercedes

“He will have an important responsibility, but let's not put too much pressure on his shoulders, he will have to take advantage of an important opportunity to mature quickly, to make his experiences as is right. 

“I hope that Antonelli's story can be a further boost for other Italian youngsters.”