Rising Stars of F1: Meet the 6 Rookie Drivers Dominating Bahrain GP's FP1 Session
Discover the six promising rookies stepping into FP1 at the Bahrain GP, showcasing their skills in place of F1's top stars.
The Next Generation Takes the Stage
This Friday at the Bahrain Grand Prix, six rookie drivers will seize their moment in Free Practice 1 (FP1), filling in for seasoned stars. Under F1's 2025 regulations, teams must allocate two FP1 sessions to rookies (drivers with no more than two Grand Prix starts). Red Bull, Ferrari, Mercedes, Aston Martin, Haas, and Williams are all tapping into their young talent pools for this exciting showcase.
Ayumu Iwasa – Red Bull’s Japanese Prodigy
- Age: 23
- Background: French F4 champion (2020), top-five finisher in F2, current Super Formula leader.
- FP1 Role: Replaces Max Verstappen in the RB21.
- Previous Experience: Two FP1 outings with Racing Bulls in 2024.
- Honda-backed, Iwasa is a strong contender for a future F1 seat.
Dino Beganovic – Ferrari’s Swedish-Bosnian Sensation
- Age: 21
- Background: FRECA champion (2022), sixth in F3, now racing in F2 with Hitech.
- FP1 Role: Takes over Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari.
- Notable: Temporary teammate to Lewis Hamilton.
- Ferrari Academy member since 2020.
Fred Vesti – Mercedes’ Danish Contender
- Age: 23
- Background: FRECA champion (2019), 11 wins in F3/F2, 2023 F2 runner-up.
- FP1 Role: Replaces George Russell.
- Dual Role: Combines Mercedes reserve duties with IMSA racing for Cadillac.
Felipe Drugovich – Aston Martin’s Seasoned Rookie
- Age: 24
- Background: 2022 F2 champion, Lance Stroll’s 2023 preseason stand-in.
- FP1 Role: Steps in for Fernando Alonso.
- Versatility: Balancing endurance racing with F1 ambitions.
Ryo Hirakawa – Haas’ Japanese Veteran
- Age: 31
- Background: WEC star with Toyota, Alpine FP1 at Suzuka (2025).
- FP1 Role: Switches to Haas for Bahrain.
- Unique Feat: Fourth F1 team in recent rounds (Alpine, McLaren, now Haas).
Luke Browning – Williams’ British Hope
- Age: 23
- Background: GB3 champion (2022), third in F3 (2024), now in F2.
- FP1 Role: Replaces Carlos Sainz.
- Progress: Second FP1 appearance after Abu Dhabi 2024.
Why This FP1 Matters
These sessions are critical for rookies to:
- Demonstrate speed under F1 conditions.
- Network with teams for future opportunities.
- Gain experience in hybrid-era cars ahead of 2026 rule changes.
Follow these rising stars closely — one of them could be F1’s next superstar.
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