Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton is all set to miss out First Free Practice of the 2022 F1 French GP due to this new less-known rule.
For the 2022 season, all 10 teams are mandated to give an F1 car seat to a young rookie driver for at least two FP1 sessions throughout the year.
Mercedes have confirmed that Nyck de Vries will appear for the team in opening practice at this weekend’s French Grand Prix.
The Dutch has won Formula 2 back in 2019 before going on to win the Formula E title last year.
Vries had earlier made an outing with Williams F1 earlier at Spanish GP replacing Nicholas Latifi this year. Now he gets an opportunity with the silver arrows at Le Castellet.
Team principal Toto Wolff said:
“Nyck is replacing Lewis in first practice this weekend, as part of the allocated sessions for young drivers this year. So, we’re looking forward to seeing how he gets on.”
“Lewis has selected FP1 in France[French GP] for his session, and George’s will take place later in the season,”
he added.
Will this affect Mercedes and Hamilton’s chances at the 2022 F1 French GP?
Free practices are important for tuning F1 cars for the main race. A complex car like the Mercedes W13 requires specific tuning. An experienced driver like Hamilton can definitely tune the car best for the race.
Additionally, the smooth tracks at circuit Paul Ricard are expected to favor Mercedes. Also, the predicted hot weather report means better tyres temperature management for the Silver Arrows. The 2022 F1 French GP should be ideal for W13.
Missing first practice one wouldn’t be the best start for Hamilton this weekend.
However, given the mammoth experience, Hamilton possesses (almost 300 race starts and 103 race wins), it won’t be that difficult for the seven-time world champion. So, missing FP1 shouldn’t have any effect on the main race and its results for Hamilton.
The eight-time Constructor champions are yet to win their first race in 2022. After securing 3 podiums in a row Hamilton would certainly be in a hunt to get his first win in the 2022 F1 French GP.
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