Oscar Piastri faces a setback in his bid for the Formula 1 championship this weekend as he, along with eight other drivers, will miss the first practice session at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix due to a 2025 rule. The race at Yas Marina Circuit will determine the title, with Piastri, Lando Norris, and Max Verstappen competing for the top honors. A podium finish for Norris could secure him the championship, but any errors could give his rivals an opportunity.
With the championship on the line in Abu Dhabi, it is crucial for drivers to maximize their practice time. However, nearly half of the grid will be absent from the first hour of running to comply with a rule requiring teams to give rookie drivers a chance.
Teams are mandated to field rookie drivers in two free practice sessions per car throughout the season, totaling four sessions per team. Several teams still need to meet this requirement, leading to the introduction of new faces in FP1 this weekend.
Piastri will be replaced by Pato O’Ward in his McLaren, while Lewis Hamilton will also sit out the session with Arthur Leclerc taking his place at Ferrari. Several other drivers, including Arvid Lindblad, Ayumu Iwasa, and Ryo Hirakawa, will step in for their respective teams’ regular drivers for FP1.
Sky has enhanced its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+, and Hayu, along with 135 channels and comprehensive Formula 1 coverage. Sky broadcasts all practice sessions, qualifiers, and races throughout the season, as well as exclusive coverage of other sports.
Mercedes and Sauber have already fulfilled their rookie practice session requirements, allowing George Russell, Kimi Antonelli, Nico Hulkenberg, and Gabriel Bortoleto to participate as usual.
Abu Dhabi is a preferred venue for rookie sessions, especially on the final weekend of the season. FP1 occurs under daytime conditions, providing valuable experience for young drivers aiming for full-time roles. Participation in rookie sessions has often led to young drivers securing permanent seats for the following season.