Formula 1 will introduce mandatory practice runs at grands prix weekend for young drivers from the start of the 2021 season, and are considering expanding the requirement, due to the impending absence of in-season testing.
Formula 1’s ban on unlimited testing towards the end of the 2000s prompted officials to organise young driver tests each season, the format of which have changed in recent years.
Under current regulations two of the four in-season test days must be allocated to drivers with two or fewer grand prix starts.
In 2019 these test days took place in Bahrain and Spain, with several Formula 2 front-runners gaining track time in Formula 1 machinery.
A bulk of the current up-and-coming drivers profited from in-season running in previous campaigns, with Charles Leclerc testing for Ferrari, George Russell for Mercedes, and Lando Norris for McLaren.
Formula 1’s calendar will expand to a record-breaking 22 events next season and as part of a compromise officials have opted to scrap in-season testing.
It means the only days of running outside of race weekends will be the six pre-season test days, two post-season test days, and the private running that takes place on behalf of tyre supplier Pirelli.
Formula 1 chiefs are working on resolutions in order for youngsters to still receive track time through the course of the season.
From 2021 it will be mandatory for each team to hand over the opening practice session to a young driver – classified as someone with two or fewer starts – at two grands prix during the season.
As per the current regulations the applicable drivers must be in possession of either a Super Licence or a Friday Super Licence.
It is understood that officials are still refining the exact regulations amid suggestions that opening practice at each event could be dedicated entirely to young drivers.
Formula 1 figures are still in the process of defining the Friday format at grands prix from 2021 due to the desire to reduce the workload on personnel through the course of the season.
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