Why F1 is largely a closed shop to new talent
Despite a plethora of ‘rookie’ drivers in first practice for the Abu Dhabi GP, and at the post-season tyre test, BEN EDWARDS points out it is even more difficult for Formula 1 drivers to make the jump to a race seat
The contrast of seeing 10 relatively unfamiliar driver names contesting first practice in the final 2023 race of Abu Dhabi versus an unchanged list of racers for the new season almost sums up the challenges for ambitious youngsters to step into Formula 1.
Test and reserve drivers are a crucial part of any team, and the current FIA rules insist that each car must be driven by a rookie for at least one practice session in a season. The opportunity to connect with the latest F1 machinery seems like a useful step for the newbies, yet insiders are aware that a single free practice session isn’t always meaningful.
How Honda F1 gains gave Williams its first turbo success and a Silverstone record
How Honda F1 gains gave Williams its first turbo success and a Silverstone record How Honda F1 gains gave Williams its first turbo success and a Silverstone record
Why carbon fibre engines haven’t broken into F1
Why carbon fibre engines haven’t broken into F1 Why carbon fibre engines haven’t broken into F1
How a key ingredient of McLaren’s glory era is shaping its F1 future
How a key ingredient of McLaren’s glory era is shaping its F1 future How a key ingredient of McLaren’s glory era is shaping its F1 future
Why well-meaning ideas to ‘fix’ F1 may not be the answer
Why well-meaning ideas to ‘fix’ F1 may not be the answer Why well-meaning ideas to ‘fix’ F1 may not be the answer
How F1’s arrival in China proved a success in unexpected ways
How F1’s arrival in China proved a success in unexpected ways How F1’s arrival in China proved a success in unexpected ways
Why Perez’s F1 2023 struggles against Verstappen won't be easy to resolve
Why Perez’s F1 2023 struggles against Verstappen won't be easy to resolve Why Perez’s F1 2023 struggles against Verstappen won't be easy to resolve
The groundbreaking Brabham that gave F1 a preview of Murray's design genius
The groundbreaking Brabham that gave F1 a preview of Murray's design genius The groundbreaking Brabham that gave F1 a preview of Murray's design genius
The missing factor that Grosjean developed too late to transform his F1 career
The missing factor that Grosjean developed too late to transform his F1 career The missing factor that Grosjean developed too late to transform his F1 career
Verstappen: No change in Horner relationship amid Red Bull investigation
Verstappen: No change in Horner relationship amid Red Bull investigation Verstappen: No change in Horner relationship amid Red Bull investigation
Unpicking the secrets of Red Bull’s brave new F1 sidepods
Unpicking the secrets of Red Bull’s brave new F1 sidepods Unpicking the secrets of Red Bull’s brave new F1 sidepods
Blaney "sick of paying" for bad pushes after vicious Duel crash
Blaney "sick of paying" for bad pushes after vicious Duel crash Blaney "sick of paying" for bad pushes after vicious Duel crash
Daytona 500: Duel #2 marred by massive crash; Bell wins
Daytona 500: Duel #2 marred by massive crash; Bell wins Daytona 500: Duel #2 marred by massive crash; Bell wins
The Mercedes-like design decisions in Red Bull's follow-up to an F1 world-beater
The Mercedes-like design decisions in Red Bull's follow-up to an F1 world-beater The Mercedes-like design decisions in Red Bull's follow-up to an F1 world-beater
Why Aston is coming out with fighting talk for its F1 2024 chances against Red Bull
Why Aston is coming out with fighting talk for its F1 2024 chances against Red Bull Why Aston is coming out with fighting talk for its F1 2024 chances against Red Bull
Can McLaren's evolutionary-but-innovative MCL38 deliver Norris' first F1 win?
Can McLaren's evolutionary-but-innovative MCL38 deliver Norris' first F1 win? Can McLaren's evolutionary-but-innovative MCL38 deliver Norris' first F1 win?
The issues Mercedes hopes it has solved with its W15 F1 car
The issues Mercedes hopes it has solved with its W15 F1 car The issues Mercedes hopes it has solved with its W15 F1 car
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.