The FIA has announced that a plan to introduce a race involving rookie drivers in Formula 1 will not take place this season but remains under consideration for 2025.
Reports emerged earlier this season that the FIA was contemplating adding a post-season race in Abu Dhabi to provide upcoming drivers more time in F1 equipment.
The proposal generated a positive reaction in the paddock as Mercedes chief Toto Wolff claimed in Monza that not one single team boss was against the suggestion.
However, discussions at the latest F1 Commission meeting concluded with the decision that it will not be held in 2024 “due to timing and organisational constraints”.
But the FIA has revealed that the idea received “widespread support” and that conversations will continue to be held regarding a rookie race debuting in 2025 instead.
“The concept of a “rookie race” to be added to the 2024 post-season test schedule at Abu Dhabi was discussed,” the F1 Commission said.
“While the concept received widespread support, it was determined that due to timing and organisational constraints, the event would not take place in 2024, and discussions will continue to formulate a potential concept and plan for 2025.”
Changes to the 2026 F1 regulations agreed
Meanwhile, the impending regulation change scheduled for 2026 also presented a discussion point comprising both the technical, sporting and financial frameworks.
The drivers and teams both voiced concerns surrounding the lap time reduction outlined when the new rules were published at the Canadian Grand Prix back in June.
The FIA has posted that it has been agreed that there will be an increased aerodynamic performance level on the next-generation 2026 cars compared to initial plans.
“Following discussions during recent Technical Advisory Committee meetings, and ongoing talks with Formula One teams, a number of amendments to the 2026 Technical Regulations in the areas of performance, aerodynamics and safety have been included in the latest iteration of these Regulations,” it said.
“These involve an increase of the expected aerodynamic performance of the cars following extensive collaboration between the teams and the FIA over the last few months.”
The F1 Commission also agreed on the financial regulations moving forward, while the 10 teams will be allocated three separate three-day pre-season tests in 2025.
“The 2026 Sporting Regulations have undergone a significant re-vamp, seeking to simplify their structure,” it added.
“In terms of substance, the 2026 pre-season test schedule will involve three, three-day tests, in recognition of the challenges presented by the new Power Unit Regulations.
“The 2026 Financial Regulations will be an evolution of the current regulatory framework.
“The objectives of the 2026 regulations are to provide a competitive balance between sporting fairness and financial sustainability.”
All changes will be subject to approval by the FIA World Motorsport Council, which will reconvene to discuss the the topics mentioned above on Thursday, 17 October.
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