Ten rookie drivers will participate in FP1 at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, as teams fulfill their mandatory rookie driver allocation requirements for the season.

Per F1 regulations, each team must give rookie drivers (those with two or fewer grand prix starts) at least two FP1 sessions annually. The timing is strategic, as Abu Dhabi's FP1 occurs in less representative daytime conditions, while FP2, qualifying, and the race take place at sunset.

Notable FP1 debuts include:

• McLaren: Ryo Hirakawa (Toyota-backed reserve driver, will also test for Haas post-race)
• Ferrari: Arthur Leclerc (Ferrari Academy driver and Charles Leclerc's brother, creating the first sibling teammate pairing in F1)
• Red Bull: Isack Hadjar (current F2 title contender, replacing Max Verstappen)

Returning FP1 drivers:

• Aston Martin: Felipe Drugovich (2022 F2 champion, replacing Lance Stroll)
• RB: Ayumu Iwasa (replacing Yuki Tsunoda for second FP1)
• Williams: Luke Browning (F3 third-place finisher, first FP1 session)

The session provides valuable experience for upcoming talent while allowing teams to evaluate potential future drivers under real F1 conditions.

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