Max Verstappen and George Russell have differing opinions on a proposed sprint race for rookie drivers following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Formula 1 is considering this initiative to give new talent more exposure to the sport, as current testing opportunities are limited for rookies.
F1 management believes that the lack of track time has left new drivers less prepared than in previous years when they had more chances to practice. To address this, various ideas are being discussed to enhance their experience behind the wheel of F1 cars.
As the F1 Commission prepares for an upcoming meeting, sporting directors are tasked with evaluating the feasibility of the rookie sprint race and suggesting necessary changes to the existing regulations.
If approved, the sprint race would take place the day after a single-day test in Abu Dhabi, specifically on the Tuesday following the Grand Prix in December. Verstappen has expressed skepticism about the idea, suggesting that it may not generate much enthusiasm among drivers after the season finale. He believes that if the goal is to give rookies a chance, they should simply be placed in the car during regular races.
"Not my problem. I'm on holidays," Verstappen said.
"I don't know. I don't think everyone is excited after the final race to then do another race on Tuesday. If you want to give rookies a chance, just put them in the car."
Conversely, Russell supports the concept, highlighting the challenges rookie drivers face during their first practice sessions. He sees the potential benefits of allowing them to participate in a full day of testing followed by a sprint race, which could better prepare them for the demands of Formula 1.
"I actually quite like the idea, to be honest. I always have mixed feelings about the FP1 sessions for a rookie because unless you've had a lot of experience, doing F1 tests is very, very challenging.
"I remember my first FP1 I did with Force India in Sao Paulo. I'd only done two days of F1 testing prior to that. I'd never been to Sao Paulo. And it really felt that I was thrown in that deep end. There was a lot of scrutiny on those two laps, three laps you get on a brand new set of tyres. But an opportunity for rookie drivers to do a full day of testing, then straight into a sprint race weekend. Yeah, I think it's a good idea."