F1 News: Abu Dhabi rookie sprint race nixed for 2024

Formula 1’s plans to host a rookie sprint race at December’s Abu Dhabi’s post-season test have been abandoned due to logistical reasons, with the idea set to be revisited in the future.

Updates to the FIA F1 Technical and Sporting Regulations

2024 “rookie race” concept

The concept of a “rookie race” to be added to the 2024 post-season test schedule at Abu Dhabi was discussed. While the concept received widespread support, it was determined that due to timing and organizational constraints, the event would not take place in 2024, and discussions will continue to formulate a potential concept and plan for 2025.

2026 Regulations

The timeline and structure of the 2026 Regulations covering Technical, Sporting and Financial matters was discussed.

Following discussions during recent Technical Advisory Committee meetings, and ongoing talks with Formula One teams, a number of amendments to the 2026 Technical Regulations in the areas of performance, aerodynamics and safety have been included in the latest iteration of these Regulations. These involve an increase of the expected aerodynamic performance of the cars following extensive collaboration between the teams and the FIA over the last few months.

The 2026 Sporting Regulations have undergone a significant re-vamp, seeking to simplify their structure. In terms of substance, the 2026 pre-season test schedule will involve three, three-day tests, in recognition of the challenges presented by the new Power Unit Regulations.

The 2026 Financial Regulations will be an evolution of the current regulatory framework. The objectives of the 2026 regulations are to provide a competitive balance between sporting fairness and financial sustainability.

These three updates will be presented at the World Motor Sport Council meeting on Thursday, October 17.