F1 ‘Rookie Race’ Axe Catches Marko By Surprise

Formula 1 Qualifying: An Introduction to the Fast-Paced World of F1 Racing
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - NOVEMBER 20: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB18 and Sergio Perez of Mexico driving the (11) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB18 head the field as they prepare for the start during the F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina Circuit on November 20, 2022 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202211202239 // Usage for editorial use only //
Formula 1 Qualifying: An Introduction to the Fast-Paced World of F1 Racing
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - NOVEMBER 20: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB18 and Sergio Perez of Mexico driving the (11) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB18 head the field as they prepare for the start during the F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina Circuit on November 20, 2022 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202211202239 // Usage for editorial use only //

Dr Helmut Marko, like most others in Formula 1, was caught by surprise with the news that a ‘rookie race’ will not take place later this year.

On Wednesday, before the F1 Commission met at the headquarters of Red Bull’s second F1 team RB in Faenza, Italy, Speed Week published a new column inked by Marko.

Red Bull’s F1 consultant wrote: “We have strong rookies in our junior squad, such as Ayumu Iwasa and Isack Hadjar.

“We will use them in the rookie sprint, which is to be held on the rookie test day after the season finale in Abu Dhabi. Then we will see how it goes for them.”

The idea has been championed by Red Bull in particular but unanimously supported up and down pitlane.

“It’s something I tabled at the last couple of Formula 1 Commissions because I think it’s great for the young drivers,” Red Bull team boss Christian Horner said recently.

“It comes at the end of a busy season, but opposed to just running around burning fuel and tyres, to give 10 rookies the opportunity of jumping in the current cars and having the equivalent of a sprint race, I think is fantastic.

“I think it’ll be a really popular event.”

However, when the F1 Commission met on Wednesday to discuss the details of the rookie race, the proposal ultimately collapsed at the final hurdle.

“While the concept received widespread support, it was determined that due to timing and organisational constraints, the event would not take place in 2024,” the FIA declared in a media statement.

“Discussions will continue to formulate a potential concept and plan for 2025.”

Comments

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

More in News

2025 Australian Grand Prix, Sonntag Lat Images

Surprise Podium For Russell, Stunning Debut For Antonelli In Chaotic Season Opener

George Russell and debutant Kimi Antonelli defied a rain-soaked Australian ...
Stefano Domenicali

Stefano Domenicali Heading To Thailand After Melbourne

Stefano Domenicali, the newly-renewed CEO of Formula 1, is hopping ...
Lando Norris, Max Verstappen

F1, Netflix, Defend Under-Fire ‘Drive To Survive’

Formula 1, and Netflix producers, have defended 'Drive to Survive' ...
F1 Grand Prix Of Australia Qualifying

McLaren Go One-Two In Melbourne Qualifying

The first qualifying of the 2025 season ended with an ...
16 Scuderia Ferrari Australian Gp 2025 Friday 8ab12c0d Ff94 4751 Ad83 255bf2aa9cc8

Ferrari Giving Lewis Hamilton ‘Time’ To Speed Up

Charles Leclerc could "send Lewis Hamilton into retirement" this year, ...

Trending on F1 Chronicle