BREAKING NEWS: Ferrari could do Something Not SEEN For 49 Years....Read more

Ferrari Set to Revive a 49-Year Tradition as Sainz Misses FP1 Session

Ferrari is preparing to make a rare and historic decision during the next Formula 1 race weekend, potentially marking the first time in nearly 50 years that a unique occurrence will take place in the team’s lineup. The catalyst for this decision is Carlos Sainz’s absence from the Free Practice 1 (FP1) session, which opens the race weekend and is crucial for gathering data ahead of qualifying and the race.

The last time Ferrari took such an approach was back in the 1970s, and the upcoming event could see Ferrari revive a long-forgotten strategy that hasn’t been used in 49 years. This marks a significant departure from Ferrari’s typical practice, which usually involves both regular drivers, Charles Leclerc and Sainz, taking part in FP1 sessions to optimize their race weekend.

Though Ferrari has not yet provided an official reason for Sainz’s absence, it is speculated that the decision could be linked to various strategic or logistical factors. One possibility is that Ferrari might be testing a reserve driver or evaluating new talent, a rare move that would bring to mind the team’s practices of the past, where testing junior drivers during race weekends was more common. Alternatively, Sainz could be missing the session due to unforeseen personal reasons or scheduling conflicts.

In modern Formula 1, it is uncommon for a primary driver to miss a session unless absolutely necessary, as every lap is crucial for understanding the track conditions and refining the car’s setup for the race. Nevertheless, Ferrari seems prepared to break tradition, knowing that historical precedence exists.

To understand the magnitude of this decision, it is worth looking back at the last time Ferrari undertook such an approach. Nearly five decades ago, Ferrari and other teams often used free practice sessions to test reserve drivers or new equipment in preparation for future races. However, as Formula 1 became more data-driven and competitive, teams began to rely more heavily on their full-time drivers to maximize their performance over the race weekend, especially in the early practice sessions.

The last known instance of Ferrari sidelining a main driver for an FP1 session dates back to the 1970s, a time when the sport was undergoing significant changes, including advancements in technology and safety regulations. Back then, Ferrari would occasionally allow junior or reserve drivers to take part in sessions to evaluate their potential or test new car components. Since then, the practice has largely disappeared as teams now use simulators and private test sessions for these purposes.

If Ferrari proceeds with this decision, it will not only be a nod to the past but also a statement about how the team is willing to think outside the box as they look toward the future.

With Sainz out of the FP1 session, Ferrari may choose to put a junior driver in his seat. One candidate could be their current reserve driver or a rising star from their Ferrari Driver Academy. Giving a younger driver the opportunity to drive in an official session offers invaluable experience on a race weekend and provides the team with additional insights into their talent pool.

Alternatively, Ferrari may simply choose to rest Sainz for strategic reasons, such as preserving his energy and focus for the more critical qualifying and race sessions. This approach could be beneficial, especially during long, grueling race weekends that take a physical and mental toll on the drivers.

The decision could also have a technical motivation. Ferrari might use the session to gather specific data or test new components without distracting their main drivers from race preparations. Missing a session in today’s competitive Formula 1 environment is rare, but it is not unheard of if the team believes they can achieve their objectives through other means.

As Ferrari prepares to implement a strategy unseen for nearly 50 years, all eyes will be on the team’s performance throughout the weekend. While Sainz’s absence from FP1 is unusual, Ferrari’s long-term thinking and willingness to explore unconventional options reflect a team that is both respectful of its history and committed to future success.

Whether this move will pay off remains to be seen, but it undeniably adds another layer of intrigue to the already competitive and unpredictable Formula 1 season. Fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how Ferrari fares with this historic decision and whether it signals a broader shift in how teams approach race weekends.