F1 bosses CANCEL plans to host first-time-ever race despite driver support as statement confirms decision

Formula 1 bosses have cancelled a planned race despite support from current drivers.

The 2024 F1 season will encompass 24 races as part of the sport's biggest ever calendar.

The year will end with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with the teams then participating in post-season testing at the Yas Marina Circuit.

While the tests involve most of the 20 drivers currently on the F1 grid, it also gives teams the opportunity to put younger talent in the car.

There are also Formula 2 and Formula 3-specific tests, where talent signed to the series for the upcoming season get an early chance to prove their skills.

This season, the FIA were in discussions over plans to hold a special one-off race at the Yas Marina Circuit, available to rookie drivers.

The plans involved a practice and qualifying session and a sprint race, where each F1 team would field a single car that was in use during the 2024 season.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner put the idea forward at an F1 Commission meeting, and it received support from teams and several drivers.

Although it is not clear what the qualification process would look like, the likes of Oliver Bearman and Jack Doohan - who will drive in F1 next year for Haas and Alpine respectively - and current Williams driver Franco Colapinto may have all been eligible.

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However, the FIA have decided to push the race back a year after a meeting on Wednesday, with plans being formulated to host it at the end of the 2025 season instead.

A statement released by the F1 Commission reads: "The concept of a 'rookie race' to be added to the 2024 post-season test schedule at Abu Dhabi was discussed.

"While the concept received widespread support, it was determined that due to timing and organisational constraints, the event would not take place in 2024, and discussions will continue to formulate a potential concept and plan for 2025."