Nine F1 drivers including multiple world champions and one of the contenders for this season's crown will sit out first practice on Friday as teams fulfil their mandatory rookie driver requirements

Oscar Piastri will be hampered in his attempt to become Formula 1 champion this weekend with the Aussie among a swathe of drivers forced to miss first practice. A total of nine racers will be sidelined from FP1 at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix due to a rule implemented at the start of 2025.

This weekend's race at the Yas Marina Circuit is set to decide the title, with Piastri , Lando Norris and Max Verstappen vying for the season's top honours. A podium finish for Norris would secure him the championship, but any mistakes could open the door for his competitors.

Given the high stakes in

See Full Page