Oscar Piastri to Miss FP1 Session in Abu Dhabi as Rookie Test Rules Take Effect

McLaren driver Oscar Piastri will sit out the first practice session at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with IndyCar star and reserve driver Pato O’Ward taking his place. This move is a result of the updated F1 rookie test rules, which now require each team to give two practice sessions to a rookie driver per season.

Previously, teams were only required to give up one practice session per season to a rookie driver. The new rules aim to provide more opportunities for young drivers to gain experience in Formula 1. Piastri had already given up his seat to Alex Dunne at the Italian Grand Prix earlier in the season.

The Australian driver is currently 16 points behind his teammate Lando Norris in the championship standings, after a strategic mistake by McLaren cost him a potential win at the Qatar Grand Prix. Despite this setback, Piastri remains focused on the title fight and is determined to give it his all in the final race of the season.

“I will give it my all and make sure I leave no points on the table in the final race,” Piastri said. If he wins the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Norris would need to finish sixth or lower for Piastri to claim the championship.

Piastri is not the only driver affected by the rookie test rules, as several other teams will also be running rookie drivers in the first practice session. These include Red Bull Racing, Racing Bulls, Williams, Ferrari, Haas, and Aston Martin. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix promises to be an exciting conclusion to the season, with several drivers still in contention for the championship.