Every Formula 1 driver (who did not start the season with fewer than two Grands Prix to his name) must give up his seat twice per season to a rookie, giving them the chance to gain experience in Formula 1. Oscar Piastri has done this only once so far in 2024.

It has now been confirmed that Piastri will take part in first practice on Thursday (local time) in Las Vegas, which means he will automatically miss Abu Dhabi.

In Qatar, in just over a week, there is a sprint race and therefore only one free practice session. So Piastri won’t be able to sit that one out.

For Piastri, having to sit out a practice session could come at a particularly unfortunate moment. There’s a chance he’ll still be fully in the title fight. While his rival Lando Norris and possibly Max Verstappen can work on setup in FP1, Piastri will be on the pit wall.

It is not yet known who will replace Piastri in Abu Dhabi. The most likely candidate is Pato O’Ward, McLaren’s Mexican test and reserve driver.