Formula 1 has revealed that plans for an exciting new race are fully in the works, with a date of 2026 eyed.
In recent years, a series of new venues have been clamouring to join the F1 grid, with the sport booming in popularity since the release of the Netflix series Drive to Survive.
The rookie race that has been touted would allow young drivers to demonstrate their abilities in a sprint-type event at the post-season test in Abu Dhabi.
An event was previously touted as a possibility for 2024, however, it was then kicked back. In the latest news on the matter, F1 has announced that the first iteration of the race is being targeted for 2026.
In a recent F1 commission meeting chaired by FIA Single-Seater Director Nikolas Tombazis and F1 CEO Domenicali, a variety of technical and sporting discussions were held regarding the 2025 and 2026 regulations, with the rookie sprint also mentioned.
“The rookie Sprint race initiative, previously mentioned as a possible 2024 post-season event, was also revisited, with the commission “remaining interested” in the concept and set to consider it further in 2025 with the aim of holding such an encounter in 2026,” Formula 1 recently revealed on their official website.
Whilst not coming any time soon, the prospect of seeing young, up-and-coming talent in an F1 race in less than two years' time is certainly an exciting prospect for fans and young drivers alike.