FIA confirms plans for rookie Sprint Race and reviews starting procedure adjustments. F1 aiming for rookie race in 2026, changes to starting grid procedure discussed.

The latest meeting of the Formula 1 Commission revisited plans for a rookie sprint race and examined updates to the starting procedures for Grands Prix.

The Formula 1 Commission, which brings together representatives from F1, the FIA, and all 10 teams to discuss regulatory decisions, held its most recent gathering to refine and advance proposed changes within the sport.

The concept of a rookie sprint race, introduced at a prior Commission meeting and intended for the post-season Abu Dhabi test, initially received strong support. However, due to organizational and timing issues, the plan was postponed beyond 2024. In this meeting, the Commission reaffirmed its commitment to exploring the rookie sprint race further in 2025, aiming to debut it in 2026. The proposed sprint race would grant drivers affiliated with the F1 teams additional, race-oriented experience, supplementing current opportunities for rookies to participate in at least two Free Practice 1 sessions per season, the Testing of Previous Car Programmes, and the end-of-season Abu Dhabi test.

Alongside this discussion, the Commission also confirmed revisions to the race start procedure. This follows the recent São Paulo GP incident, where Williams driver Alex Albon’s car could not be repaired in time, leaving an unexpected gap in his seventh-place grid position. The new protocol, set for implementation in 2025, will address how the grid closes up when a car is withdrawn, streamlining procedures in such cases.

The Commission also reviewed several technical and financial regulation changes for 2025. One significant update includes the addition of a driver cooling kit, available when a heat hazard is declared, following positive test results. Financial regulations will also expand to exclude sustainability-related costs in a continued push for environmental accountability.

Lastly, the Commission acknowledged progress in drafting the 2026 regulations. A comprehensive framework will be presented at the FIA’s first World Motor Sport Council meeting of 2025. In addition to technical changes, the updated Sporting Regulations will adopt gender-neutral language, reinforcing the FIA’s commitment to inclusivity.