Race weekends · Updated for 2026
F1 rookie practice sessions explained
Why regular drivers hand selected FP1 sessions to eligible newcomers during the season.
Quick answer
Formula 1 requires teams to give eligible rookie drivers free-practice opportunities. In 2026, every full-time driver must vacate their car for two FP1 sessions, giving newcomers current-car experience while teams evaluate them and complete required running.
Who counts as a rookie
The regulations use Grand Prix participation experience rather than age. For the current requirement, an eligible driver must not have started more than the permitted small number of championship Grands Prix.
What the session achieves
The driver gains experience with a current car, procedures and engineering team. The team can assess feedback and consistency while also gathering its normal FP1 data.
The cost to the race driver
The regular driver loses valuable preparation time, especially at an unfamiliar circuit. Teams therefore choose events and run plans carefully, balancing rookie development against race-weekend performance.