F1 News
2021 rule change: Teams need to use rookie drivers for two FP1 sessions
One of the 2021 rule changes is that teams have to use a rookie driver in FP1 at least twice during the season. A rookie driver is identified as someone who has two or less Formula 1 races to their name.
This rule change will see more young talent given opportunities to impress in Formula 1. Teams are likely to use the rookie drivers at their home Grand Prix like Toro Rosso did with Naoki Yamamoto at the Japanese Grand Prix. This can add to the event and make the sessions even more memorable for the rookie drivers.
This season, very few rookie drivers have been given opportunities. Yamamoto got one chance at Toro Rosso and Nicholas Latifi, a future Williams driver, got several chances in their car. All other teams left their current line-up in the car.
The rule change will look to bridge the gap between the junior Formulas and maybe even increase the viewing figures of Formula 2 if the audience is more aware of who the drivers are.
A lot is changing for 2021 and it seems that Formula 1 are really looking to improve the sport for the future by bringing in young talent as soon as possible.