Ferrari reserve driver Robert Shwartzman will drive for Sauber in the opening practice session at this weekend’s Formula 1 Dutch Grand Prix, replacing Valtteri Bottas.
Since 2022, the FIA regulations have specified that each full-time race driver must give up an FP1 session for a rookie who has started no more than two grands prix.
Shwartzman has since represented Ferrari across two practice hours in both 2022 and 2023 and he will be handed another chance to sample an F1 car this weekend.
The Russo-Israeli’s appearance in FP1 with Sauber’s C45 challenger at Zandvoort will signal the Hinwil-based squad’s first compliance with the regulation this season.
Bottas will return to complete the remaining weekend sessions once Shwartzman, who now competes in the World Endurance Championship, has completed his run.
“The young driver, a Scuderia Ferrari reserve driver in this year’s Formula One season, will take over Valtteri Bottas’s seat for the session, with the Finn resuming driving duties for the remainder of the weekend,” Sauber said. “As in previous occasions, we work in partnership with Scuderia Ferrari to give young talent an opportunity in practice sessions.”
Sauber’s time running Ferrari engines will come to an end once next term concludes as the Swiss outfit makes its much-anticipated transition into a works Audi team.
