In recent weeks momentum was building within Formula 1 for a season-ending Sprint Race featuring rookies, to be held following the final race of the season, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Now, following a Formula 1 Commission meeting plans for that race to happen at the end of the 2024 season have been shelved.
Per a statement released by the FIA, F1’s governing body, that plan was put on hold due in part to logistical considerations, as well as concerns over scheduling such a race on short notice. However, the FIA believes that such an event could take place during or following the 2025 campaign.
“The concept of a “rookie race” to be added to the 2024 post-season test schedule at Abu Dhabi was discussed. While the concept received widespread support, it was determined that due to timing and organizational constraints, the event would not take place in 2024, and discussions will continue to formulate a potential concept and plan for 2025.”
The decision comes just days after Red Bull senior advisor Dr. Helmut Marko indicated that promising drivers Isack Hadjar and Ayumu Iwasa would drive for the team in such an event. “We have strong juniors in our program, such as Isack Hadjar and Ayumu Iwasa. We will use them during the rookie sprint,” said Marko to Motorsport.
They, and the other rookies, will now have to wait until at least 2025.
