F1 fans have become accustomed to seeing rookie drivers taking to the track during FP1 sessions to gain experience behind the wheel. These drivers usually belong to the team’s driver academies and want to impress with their limited running time in an F1 car. The rookies can gain valuable mileage and learn the machinery they aspire to use.
It is also a chance for teams to assess their young prodigies to test whether their skills are good enough for a race seat. However, just one FP1 session for the rookies to show off to their teams was deemed insufficient, so changes have been made.
How have the 2025 regulation changes impacted rookies in FP1?
Since the 2022 season, the regulations state that a rookie driver must participate in at least one FP1 session per car. However, the FIA has changed this rule. Starting from the 2025 season, teams must run rookies in two FP1 sessions per car. This means more rookie drivers participate in the first practice session.
The extra track time for rookies is invaluable. It gives the drivers more time to hone their skills while showing what they can do. It also gives teams more chances to learn about their young prospects. They can analyse more data to see if their academy drivers are up to the task.
Everything You Need to Know About the 2025 F1 Regulations Changes
The 2025 Bahrain GP will see six rookies take to the track. Four-time world champion Max Verstappen will be replaced for the weekend’s opening session by Red Bull junior Ayumu Iwasa. The 2023 F2 champion Frederick Vesti will also take to the track, replacing George Russell. Williams, Aston Martin, Ferrari and Haas will also field rookies in FP1.
Haas rookie to make second debut in a week
Ryo Hirakawa will make his debut for Haas during FP1 at the Bahrain GP, replacing Oliver Bearman. However, the 31-year-old only made his Alpine debut the race before in Japan. The Japanese driver made the shock decision to leave the French team after they gave him a run-out in the A525.
Ryo completed 24 laps and finished in twelfth place at Suzuka. He then joined up with Haas and will make his debut with the American team a week later in Bahrain. He cited the reason for leaving Alpine was due to the arrival of Franco Colapinto, meaning his opportunities would be limited.
Welcoming Ryō Hirakawa to MoneyGram Haas F1 Team as our Official Reserve Driver for the 2025 F1 season.
The Japanese driver joins the team following a successful outing at the post-season test in Abu Dhabi last December.#HaasF1 #F1 | @ryohirakawa pic.twitter.com/vFZAUD0eed
— MoneyGram Haas F1 Team (@HaasF1Team) April 7, 2025
Hirakawa can compete in FP1 as a rookie, despite his age. The rules state that a driver can participate if they haven’t competed in more than two Grand Prix. Hirakawa has only driven for McLaren during FP1 in the Abu Dhabi GP. He, along with the five other rookies, will look to impress in Bahrain to claim their stake to become a full-time F1 driver.
