Oscar Piastri will miss the first practice session (FP1) at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with IndyCar star and McLaren reserve driver Pato O’Ward taking his place. This change follows the updated F1 rookie‑test regulations, which now require each team to allocate two practice sessions per season to a rookie driver, up from the previous single‑session requirement. The aim is to give young drivers more track time in Formula 1.
Earlier in the season, Piastri had already ceded a seat to Alex Dunne at the Italian Grand Prix. He currently trails his teammate Lando Norris by 16 points in the championship, a gap that widened after a strategic error cost McLaren a potential win in Qatar. Despite the setback, Piastri remains focused on the title fight. “I will give it my all and make sure I leave no points on the table in the final race,” he said. If he wins in Abu Dhabi, Norris would need to finish sixth or lower for Piastri to clinch the championship.
The rookie‑test rule changes affect several other teams as well, with Red Bull Racing, Racing Bulls, Williams, Ferrari, Haas and Aston Martin also planning to run rookie drivers in FP1. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix therefore promises an exciting season finale, with multiple drivers still in contention for the championship.
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