In a groundbreaking move set to shake up the F1 scene, five Formula 1 teams are gearing up to unleash rookie drivers during the first practice session of the Bahrain Grand Prix. This bold strategy comes as a result of the updated 2025 rule, which mandates that each team must provide more training time for inexperienced drivers – defined as those with no more than two Grand Prix under their belt.
The Williams team is set to showcase Luke Browning, while Mercedes will be hitting the track with Frederik Vesti, and Aston Martin will be fielding Felipe Drugovich. All three drivers have previously taken part in practice sessions for their respective teams. Meanwhile, Ferrari will be granting Dino Beganovic his F1 debut, and Haas will be giving Ryo Hirakawa a spin, who also drove for Alpine in the early sessions in Suzuka last weekend. His session with Haas will fulfill the team’s rookie requirement for the season.
It’s worth noting that four teams – Mercedes, Sauber, Racing Bulls, and Alpine – have already met their quota for rookie sessions by utilizing new drivers earlier in the year. This move is sure to add an extra layer of excitement and unpredictability to the upcoming race weekend in Bahrain. Stay tuned for more updates as these young talents hit the track and vie for glory in the world of Formula 1.
