All groups are obliged to run a rookie in every automotive at one FP1 session, and this yr they’ve confronted a troublesome schedule, with Qatar, Austin and Brazil all dash occasions, and Suzuka, Singapore and Las Vegas not considered sensible decisions. Most groups have thus left their FP1 operating for Mexico and Abu Dhabi.
In an uncommon transfer, Pink Bull is planning to deploy each of its obligatory rookie classes on the similar occasion, with F2 driver Isack Hadjar additionally driving on the Yas Marina monitor.
That alternative additionally implies that neither Max Verstappen or Sergio Perez must surrender their vehicles on the latter’s dwelling race in Mexico, the place the Friday run plan is sophisticated by the addition of additional tyre testing.
The unique intention was for the workforce to run Liam Lawson, who drove for Pink Bull in Abu Dhabi final yr. Nonetheless, as quickly because the Kiwi made his third look with AlphaTauri in Singapore he misplaced his rookie standing.
The 28-year-old Dennis has been a Pink Bull simulator driver since 2018. That yr he drove the RB14 in exams in each Spain and Hungary, and the Abu Dhabi the outing will give him the chance to correlate with the present automotive.
Dennis received the McLaren Autosport BRDC Award in 2012. He completed third within the FIA F3 collection in 2015, and was fourth in GP3 in 2016.
He then moved into GT racing earlier than his single-seater profession was rebooted when he joined the Andretti Components E workforce for the 2020-21 marketing campaign, ending third in in his first season.
Dennis received the 2022-2023 title having logged two wins and 9 different podium finishes. His Components E outcomes have certified him for an F1 tremendous licence.
Photograph by: Pink Bull Content material Pool
Isack Hadjar, Hitech GP
Hadjar can even drive for AlphaTauri in FP1 in Mexico earlier than switching to Pink Bull for Abu Dhabi, with the Faenza workforce solely needing to deploy one session as Nyck de Vries was a rookie when he drove within the season opener in Bahrain.
The Frenchman was fourth within the 2022 F3 championship and presently lies 14th within the F2 standings, and has been serving as a Pink Bull/AlphaTauri reserve when Lawson was not accessible.
Different drivers lined up for rookie exams in Mexico and/or Abu Dhabi are Jack Doohan (Alpine), Frederick Vesti (Mercedes), Oliver Bearman (Haas), Pato O’Ward (McLaren), Robert Shwartzman (Ferrari), Felipe Drugovich (Aston Martin) and Theo Pourchaire (Alfa Romeo).