Up Next
Each Formula 1 team needs to satisfy the rule of running a ‘rookie’ driver in each of its cars during a season. There's still teams that haven't done this yet.
The Abu Dhabi season finale is always a popular place to get that rookie running in, for a driver who has done no more than two Formula 1 races.
Who has driven so far, and which teams still need to field a suitable driver this year? Let’s take a look.
Teams running rookies in FP1 in Abu Dhabi
Aston Martin - Felipe Drugovich
Ferrari - Arthur Leclerc
McLaren - Ryo Hirakawa
RB - Ayumu Iwasa
Red Bull - Isack Hadjar
Williams - Luke Browning
The big story in Abu Dhabi is Arthur Leclerc joining his brother, Charles, at Ferrari. That's the first time two brothers in the same team have driven in the same session on a proper F1 weekend.
Le Mans winner Ryo Hirakawa, 30, isn't your average 'rookie' and jumps in for a key role, as has Leclerc, in McLaren's battle with Ferrari in the constructors' championship.
Brit Luke Browning, third in F3, takes the wheel at Williams.
Felipe Drugovich (Aston Martin) and Isack Hadjar (Red Bull) both return their respective teams.
Rookie FP1s in 2024
Alpine
Jack Doohan x2, Montreal and Silverstone.
Aston Martin
Felipe Drugovich x2, Mexico and Abu Dhabi.
Haas
Ollie Bearman x2, Imola and Barcelona.
Ferrari
Ollie Bearman, Mexico. Arthur Leclerc, Abu Dhabi.
Mercedes
Kimi Antonelli, Monza and Mexico.
McLaren
Pato O’Ward, Mexico. Ryo Hirakawa, Abu Dhabi.
Red Bull
Isack Hadjar x2, Silverstone and Abu Dhabi.
Sauber
Robert Shwartzman x2, Zandvoort and Mexico.
Williams
Franco Colapinto, Silverstone. Luke Browning, Abu Dhabi.
