Hamilton forced to sit out one free practice session in 2022

For young drivers it is increasingly difficult to make metres in a Formula 1 car. The number of test days is very limited and on those moments the regular drivers are usually at the wheel. For some time now the teams are investigating how to give young talents a chance. In Mexico an agreement seems to have been reached.

Two test moments for youngsters

From 2022 all teams are obliged to give two free practices per season to a young, talented driver. Auto, Motor und Sport reports that teams are completely free to determine at which races this happens. In order to avoid that every time the 'second' driver has to make way for this practice session, it has been agreed that every driver will hand over his steering wheel once. In other words: Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen will have to watch once during a free practice session next season.

Not everyone can enter a free practice session just like that. To participate at all, you need to have at least 25 points on your super license. Also, the rookies are not allowed to have more than two Grand Prix behind their name, as decided by the F1 teams in Mexico.

Tests in Abu Dhabi

The F1 teams also agreed that the traditional test after the race in Abu Dhabi will be one day only instead of two. The reason for this is that the mechanics can enjoy their holiday earlier after a long season. However, on that one day it will be possible to test two cars instead of one.