The first free practice session of the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend will see six rookie drivers get behind the wheel of F1 cars.
F1 teams are required to allocate four FP1 sessions per year (two per car) to rookie drivers in an effort to provide them with more experience.
Just one of the drivers will be making his first-ever FP1 appearance, as Dino Beganovic will step in for Charles Leclerc at Ferrari.
Beganovic is racing in the Formula 2 category this year following two seasons in F3, finishing sixth in the standings on both occasions.
Reigning F1 champion Max Verstappen will sit out the opening practice session, with Super Formula championship leader Ayumu Iwasa jumping behind the wheel of the RB21.
Frederik Vesti will have his first practice outing with Mercedes since the end of 2023 as George Russell steps aside.
Felipe Drugovich has been given another opportunity with Aston Martin, while Ryo Hirakawa makes his second practice appearance of the season. Having driven for Alpine at Suzuka one week ago, the Japanese star will have the first of four scheduled appearances with Haas this weekend.
Finally, Luke Browning has been handed his second FP1 outing by Williams after his outing in Abu Dhabi last year.
See the full overview of FP1 rookies below!
Bahrain GP FP1 rookie drivers
| FP1 rookie | Team | Replacing |
|---|---|---|
| Dino Beganovic | Ferrari | Charles Leclerc |
| Ayumu Iwasa | Red Bull | Max Verstappen |
| Frederik Vesti | Mercedes | George Russell |
| Felipe Drugovich | Aston Martin | Fernando Alonso |
| Ryo Hirakawa | Haas | Oliver Bearman |
| Luke Browning | Williams | Carlos Sainz |
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