Meet Every Rookie Driver in 2025 F1 FP1 Sessions

The 2025 Formula 1 season introduced an updated rule requiring every team to give rookie drivers more on-track experience during free practice sessions. Teams now need to run a rookie in FP1 twice per car, instead of just once, over the 24-race calendar.

A rookie is defined as a driver who has started two or fewer Grands Prix. This shift aims to help emerging drivers earn valuable time at the wheel during race weekends and supports the development of future stars in the sport.

McLaren has yet to use any of its rookie allocation after Monaco, but the team confirmed Pato O’Ward, an IndyCar race winner, will take one of Lando Norris’s FP1 slots at the Mexico City Grand Prix in October.

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Ferrari used their first session at the Bahrain Grand Prix when Dino Beganovic replaced Charles Leclerc, meaning Leclerc will sit out once more this year.

Lewis Hamilton still needs to stand down for two sessions. Red Bull completed just one rookie session so far, with Japanese driver Ayumu Iwasa stepping in for Max Verstappen at Bahrain.

Verstappen has one more required absence, and Yuki Tsunoda has yet to miss a session. Mercedes, on the other hand, has achieved three out of four rookie sessions, helped by Kimi Antonelli’s rookie status covering the opening two Grands Prix.

Fred Vesti also drove George Russell’s car in Bahrain, leaving Russell with one more absence to fulfill. Aston Martin ticked off its first rookie appearance with Felipe Drugovich taking over Fernando Alonso’s car during FP1 in Bahrain.

Alonso is due for one more session out, and Lance Stroll will miss both remaining rookie sessions. Alpine split their quota between Jack Doohan, who covered Australia, and Ryo Hirakawa, who ran the car in Japan before switching teams.

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Pierre Gasly is yet to join the rookie rotation. At Haas, Ollie Bearman’s prior F1 starts in 2024 meant he didn’t qualify as a rookie for FP1 duties.

The team recruited Ryo Hirakawa from Alpine, with the Japanese racer handling Bearman’s car in Bahrain and set for more appearances later in Spain, Mexico, and Abu Dhabi. Racing Bulls benefited from Isack Hadjar’s rookie status, knocking out two sessions with the Frenchman in Australia and China.

Liam Lawson, not counted as a rookie, will step out for two sessions this year. Williams introduced Luke Browning in FP1 at Bahrain, with Carlos Sainz giving up his seat.

Sainz needs to sit out one more session. Alex Albon will miss the Spanish Grand Prix FP1, giving F2’s Victor Martins his F1 debut.

This means Williams will reach halfway of its rookie requirement by end of the Spanish round. Stake F1 used Gabriel Bortoleto for both rookie sessions in Australia and China, meaning Nico Hulkenberg is due to be sidelined twice later in the campaign.

Following the Monaco Grand Prix, nine out of ten teams have already started working towards the new rookie rule, increasing the chance for young drivers to learn F1 cars in real race conditions. Teams are mindful of their allocations, balancing race performance with the opportunity to give rising talent F1 track time. Recent rookie mistake incidents highlight the learning curve these drivers face.

The list of rookie drivers and their scheduled sessions may change as the season progresses, and updates will continue after each Friday practice. These FP1 opportunities are crucial for young drivers aiming to secure a permanent race seat in the future.

With bigger names like Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, and Charles Leclerc stepping aside for rookies, fans get to see future stars in action during key race weekends. Teams are expected to confirm further rookie appearances in the second half of the season, especially as the focus turns towards preparing for 2026’s major regulation changes.

The new rule not only ensures more chances for rookies, but also shapes team strategy around FP1 planning. By the end of the 2025 season, the expanded quota is set to provide more meaningful track time for at least a dozen young hopefuls aiming to make their mark in Formula 1. The spirit of competition was recently underscored by the penalties affecting teams like Andretti Prema, demonstrating the fine margins these newcomers navigate on and off the track (see the Andretti Prema penalties).

John Martinez

John Martinez delivers real-time NASCAR Cup Series and Truck Series news, from live race updates to pit-lane strategy analysis. A graduate of the University of Northwestern Ohio’s Motorsports Technology program, he breaks down rule changes, driver tactics, and championship points with crystal-clear reporting.