Who are the drivers who will participate in the young drivers’ tests in Abu Dhabi?

As every year, a few days after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which marks the last race of the F1 season, end-of-season tests are held on the Yas Marina circuit. These tests are an opportunity for young drivers who have participated in less than 2 Formula 1 Grand Prix to gain experience behind the wheel of an F1 car.

This year, a controversy arose following Fernando Alonso’s participation in these tests, which were reserved for rookies. Indeed, the FIA allowed the Spaniard and future Alpine driver to take part. Some teams did not appreciate experienced drivers participating in these tests, with Ferrari leading the charge.

The head of Scuderia, Mattia Binotto, has thus asked the FIA to allow Carlos Sainz, future Ferrari driver, to also participate in these tests to get accustomed to his new team and its procedures. The Maranello team was denied this participation because Sainz has competed in more than two Grand Prix this season.

McLaren and Racing Point also shared Ferrari’s disagreement about Alonso’s participation in this day. In fact, since these two teams currently have no young drivers, they decided a few weeks ago not to take part in these tests.

8 teams will therefore be present this Tuesday with 15 drivers. Among them are Alonso, Buemi, and Kubica, who have previously raced in Formula 1 but not this year. Aitken participated in a Grand Prix this year at Sakhir, replacing Russell, and Schumacher has completed free practice sessions this year.

The drivers participating in these tests in Abu Dhabi this Tuesday: