For newcomers to Formula 1, it’s challenging enough to hold their own in a strong and experienced field. However, according to Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Franco Colapinto, this challenge becomes even greater during sprint race weekends. Rookies find it particularly tough with limited practice time.
“It obviously depends on the circuit,” Antonelli explains in Baku. “If it’s a new circuit, it’s simply harder for rookies to get up to speed. We experienced this in China, Miami, and also in Belgium with the sprint race.” Especially during sprint races, where there is only one free practice, young drivers are put to the test. “Sometimes it’s just difficult. But if you have confidence, you can find your rhythm quite quickly in such a session.”
Antonelli says it’s tough to compete against experienced drivers during sprint weekends. “You do start at a disadvantage because they know every detail of the circuit. They know exactly where you gain time and where you lose it.” However, Antonelli also sees opportunities, even with little preparation: “If you adapt quickly and drive with confidence, you can achieve a good result as a rookie with just one practice session.”
Preparation Makes the Difference
Franco Colapinto also knows what it’s like to have to learn the circuit during sprint weekends. Yet, the rookie finds it less challenging these days. “We’re used to going to the qualification with few laps, so you have to be sharp right away. It’s always difficult if you don’t know the circuit, but that’s part of it.” Colapinto refers to his experiences in 2023: “Austin and Qatar were sprint races, and I didn’t know those circuits then. Yet, I achieved a decent result in the Sprint qualification in Austin.” According to the Argentine, it’s all about good preparation. “If you approach it correctly, you’ll get there. The simulator really helps with that. We now drive so little in the practices that we’ve gotten used to it.”
