Formula 1’s Bahrain Grand Prix will host a special moment for six rising stars of motorsport, as they take the wheel in Friday’s Free Practice 1 session (FP1). Each driver will replace a regular F1 driver as part of a rule that encourages teams to give track time to young and inexperienced talent.
This initiative is part of Formula 1’s ongoing push to build the next generation of drivers. Every team is required to run a rookie driver in at least two FP1 sessions per car during the season. A “rookie” is defined as a driver with two or fewer Grand Prix starts.
Let’s take a closer look at the six rookies who will be on track and why this is such a big opportunity for them.
Dino Beganovic – Ferrari
Dino Beganovic, a 21-year-old Swedish driver, will drive Charles Leclerc’s car in FP1. This will be his first-ever official appearance in a Formula 1 race weekend.
Beganovic is currently competing in Formula 2 with Hitech GP, and he’s a member of the Ferrari Driver Academy. Over the past few years, he has shown solid consistency in junior series, especially in Formula 3. Driving an F1 car for Ferrari is a major step forward in his career, and all eyes will be on how he handles the power and complexity of the SF-24.
Ayumu Iwasa – Red Bull Racing
23-year-old Japanese driver Ayumu Iwasa is another rookie getting his first taste of F1 machinery in a Grand Prix weekend. He will be stepping into Max Verstappen’s Red Bull car during FP1.
Iwasa had a strong career in Formula 2, scoring multiple wins and podiums. He is currently racing in Japan’s Super Formula championship and is one of the top contenders. As a Red Bull Junior Team member, this session is his big chance to impress Red Bull’s senior leadership, especially in a car as dominant as the RB20.
Frederik Vesti – Mercedes
Frederik Vesti, a familiar name to Mercedes fans, will drive George Russell’s car in Bahrain. The 23-year-old Danish driver is a Mercedes reserve and test driver and finished runner-up in the 2023 Formula 2 championship.
Vesti has already driven for Mercedes in FP1 sessions before, but each outing is a valuable chance to further build trust with the team. He’s considered one of the most polished young drivers not yet in F1, and his steady growth makes him a future candidate for a full-time seat.
Felipe Drugovich – Aston Martin
Brazil’s Felipe Drugovich is perhaps the most experienced among the group. The 24-year-old is the 2022 Formula 2 champion and has been Aston Martin’s reserve driver for over a year. He will take Fernando Alonso’s place in FP1.
Drugovich has already completed several testing programs and previous FP1 outings with Aston Martin, so this will be more of a continuation than a debut. However, it’s another opportunity to remind teams of his talent and readiness for a full-time F1 seat.
Ryo Hirakawa – Haas
Ryo Hirakawa is a unique addition to this list. At 31 years old, he’s the oldest of the rookies, and his experience comes mainly from endurance racing, including a win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans with Toyota in 2022.
Although he was previously part of the Alpine Academy, Hirakawa is now a test and reserve driver for Haas. He will be taking over the seat normally occupied by rookie Oliver Bearman in FP1. His calm and disciplined style, shaped by years in long-distance racing, makes him a smart asset for car development.
Luke Browning – Williams
The final rookie in the lineup is 22-year-old Luke Browning from the UK. A member of the Williams Driver Academy, he will take over Carlos Sainz’s seat in FP1.
Browning is currently racing in Formula 3 and was the winner of the 2022 Aston Martin Autosport BRDC Young Driver of the Year Award. He’s seen as one of Britain’s brightest racing prospects, and this FP1 session gives him a chance to showcase his speed and potential on a much bigger stage.
Why Bahrain Was Chosen
Bahrain is the perfect venue for these FP1 rookie outings. Teams already have extensive data from the pre-season tests that were held at the same circuit, which makes it less risky to give the car to a rookie for one session. Additionally, FP1 in Bahrain takes place during the daytime, while qualifying and the race are run at night. That means the session is less critical for setup, giving rookies a valuable but lower-pressure opportunity.
What’s at Stake
For these six drivers, FP1 in Bahrain is more than just a few laps. It’s a shot at proving they belong in the most elite motorsport series in the world. Teams are always scouting for talent to fill future seats, and strong performances in these rookie sessions can open doors for full-time roles down the line.
With experienced F1 drivers like Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton, and even Sergio Pérez likely approaching the final chapters of their careers, teams are under pressure to prepare the next generation of stars. These rookies are not just filling a rule—they’re auditioning for the future.
Final Thoughts
As Formula 1 continues to grow globally, there’s a rising focus on youth, development, and the long-term health of the grid. This weekend’s FP1 session in Bahrain gives fans a sneak peek at who might be the next big name in the sport. Whether they are in the cockpit of a Ferrari, Red Bull, or Williams, each of these six young drivers has earned their moment—and now, it’s time to deliver.
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