The 2024 Formula 1 season comes to an end with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with the world champion already crowned.
Max Verstappen grabbed his fourth consecutive world championship with Red Bull – repeating the feat accomplished by Sebastian Vettel from 2010-2013.
The Dutchman has won nine races this season in what has been a more difficult year than he may have envisioned. The RB20 has been challenging to drive at times as the Milton Keynes-based outfit have taken a step back in performance.
But Verstappen did what was required and got his car into good enough results, securing the title at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Heading into the final race of the season, McLaren and Ferrari are fighting for the Constructors’ Championship.
| Position | Constructors’ Standings | Points |
| 1 |
McLaren Racing |
640 |
| 2 |
Scuderia Ferrari |
619 |
| 3 |
Red Bull Racing |
581 |
| 4 |
Mercedes-AMG Petronas |
446 |
| 5 |
Aston Martin F1 Team |
92 |
| 6 |
Alpine F1 Team |
59 |
| 7 |
Haas F1 Team |
54 |
| 8 |
Visa Cash App RB Formula One Team |
46 |
| 9 |
Williams F1 Team |
17 |
| 10 |
Sauber F1 Team |
4 |
Before the title decider and all the racing action, several teams will be giving rookies a chance in F1 machinery in FP1 this weekend. It is mandatory for every full-time driver to be replaced by a rookie in an FP1 session during a season.
The practice session will allow the teams to look at their young talent as they prove themselves on the main stage – with some holding much more significance than others.
Here are all the rookies who will be running in FP1 at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this weekend.
Isack Hadjar – Red Bull
By far the most important rookie running in FP1, Isack Hadjar will get his second outing in a Red Bull this season, replacing Verstappen.
The Frenchman had a disappointing debut on an F1 weekend at Silverstone and he will be looking to put that behind him and make an impression with the team.
READ MORE: Who is Isack Hadjar as Red Bull prospect gets Abu Dhabi GP outing? Age, nationality, stats, and more
Abu Dhabi is a hugely important weekend for Hadjar, as he is only half a point behind Gabriel Bortoleto in the F2 standings heading into the final round of the season. The 20-year-old will also run alongside Sergio Perez in FP1, who could open the door for him to join RB next season.
The Mexican is under serious pressure to keep his seat at Red Bull as he is suffering his worst season with the team. With it being more likely that Abu Dhabi is Perez’s last race and with Liam Lawson or Yuki Tsunoda set to replace him, Hadjar has now emerged as the favorite to join RB in 2025.
Christian Horner was impressed with Hadjar in Qatar and the Frenchman will have a great opportunity to firmly put his foot in the door in F1 as RB drop their interest in Franco Colapinto.
Arthur Leclerc – Ferrari
Ferrari will be making history in Abu Dhabi as they hand Arthur Leclerc – Charles Leclerc’s younger brother – his first outing on an F1 weekend.
The session will mark the first time in F1 history that brothers have run in a session as teammates as Arthur Leclerc replaces Carlos Sainz and will drive the SF-24 for the first time.
The 24-year-old is a Ferrari development driver and has been competing in endurance racing this season. Having competed in Formula 2 in 2023, he will be keen to take his chance with both hands in what will be an emotional moment for the Leclerc family.
Charles Leclerc sent Arthur Leclerc a touching message on social media after the latter’s FP1 was confirmed. It’s fair to say that many will have their eyes on Ferrari during the session as the brothers take to the track together in the famous red.
Luke Browning – Williams
Williams are set to hand a debut to Luke Browning in Abu Dhabi, with the British driver also set to take part in the young drivers’ test at the end of the season.
The 22-year-old had an impressive season in Formula 3 this year, winning two races and finishing third in the championship. Browning was promoted to F2 from Baku onwards, replacing fellow Williams junior Zak O’Sullivan for the remainder of the season.
READ MORE: All to know about Williams Racing from team principal to Mercedes ties
The Brit got his first outing in F1 machinery in the Aston Martin AMR21in 2023 as part of his reward for winning the Autosport BRDC Award the year prior, and he will step into the cockpit of the Williams FW46 for the first time in Abu Dhabi.
Team principal James Vowles previously labelled Browning as ‘perfect’ after his first F3 win in Bahrain, and the 22-year-old will be keen to impress the boss again over the weekend
Ryo Hirakawa – McLaren
Japanese driver Ryo Hirakawa will be handed his F1 debut in FP1 with McLaren in Abu Dhabi, replacing Oscar Piastri.
The 30-year-old – who joined the McLaren Driver Development Programme last year – has served as the team’s reserve driver this season.
Hirakawa has had incredible success in endurance racing with Toyota, winning the World Endurance Championship in 2022 and 2023.
The Japanese driver will also participate in the post-season test in Abu Dhabi, but will do so with Haas alongside Esteban Ocon, as Oliver Bearman is ineligible for the session due to making an appearance at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
Felipe Drugovich – Aston Martin
Aston Martin reserve driver Felipe Drugovich will get his second outing in FP1 this season as he replaces Lance Stroll in Abu Dhabi.
It has been a frustrating time for the Brazilian at the Silverstone-based squad as he has been left on the sidelines since winning the F2 title in 2022.
Brazilian fans were calling for Drugovich after Stroll’s bizarre retirement at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, but the 25-year-old has bene snubbed once again of a race seat with Aston Martin in 2025.
It is currently unclear where the Brazilian’s future lies in F1 beyond this season. Cadillac will certainly have to consider Drugovich in 2026 when they enter the sport as the 11th team.
Ayumu Iwasa – RB
FP1 in Abu Dhabi will see a second Japanese rookie take part in the session as Ayumu Iwasa makes his second appearance this season.
Making his debut at the Japanese Grand Prix in place of Daniel Ricciardo, Iwasa will replace fellow compatriot Yuki Tsunoda at RB this weekend.
READ MORE: Who is Red Bull academy driver Ayumu Iwasa? Everything you need to know
Joining the Red Bull junior team in 2021, Iwasa won three races in F2 in 2023 to finish the season fourth before moving on to Super Formula this year.
Iwasa finished the campaign fifth overall with three second-place finishes.
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