F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Teams compelled in 2021 to give rookies Friday outings

From 2021, it will be mandatory for teams to run a rookie driver in at least two Friday practice sessions over the course of the season.

The practice of awarding a free practice run to a young hopeful isn't currently widespread, with Williams the only team this year to regularly take advantage of FP1 to offer mileage to its reserve driver Nicholas Latifi.

Drivers weigh in on prospect of racing 'slower' cars in 2021

Toro Rosso also used Friday's FP1 session to test Honda protégé Naoki Yamamoto.

However, the scheme has in the past allowed young drivers such as Lando Norris, George Russell or Antonio Giovinazzi to initiate their F1 apprenticeship by running on Fridays.

The future sporting rule implies that top teams such as Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull will be forced to entrust their car to a rookie driver as defined by the FIA, meaning drivers holding the proper credentials - either a superlicence or a Friday-only superlicence - and who have not participated in more than two Grands Prix in their career.

The FIA will also award a superlicence point to drivers who successfully complete 100 km during a free practice session, as long as they do not pick up penalty points during their run.

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.