AlphaTauri and Red Bull FP1 rookies revealed

AlphaTauri team principal Franz Tost has revealed the two rookie drivers that will represent both Red Bull-owned teams in F1 free practice sessions this year.

F1 has made it mandatory for teams to field rookies in at least two FP1 sessions across the coming year in a bid to increase the opportunities available to young drivers.

For the avoidance of doubt, F1 has classified a rookie driver as someone that has started no more than two grands prix and they must hold a 'free practice only' superlicence.

Asked in a media briefing including GPFans if AlphaTauri had cemented its plans, Tost revealed: "It will be Liam Lawson. Of course, this is also a decision from Red Bull."

Continuing to also reveal Red Bull's plans, Tost added: "Currently the drivers are Liam Lawson and [Jüri] Vips. I think that Vips will drive for Red Bull Racing and Lawson for Scuderia AlphaTauri.

"He was also testing with us last year in Abu Dhabi. He is driving this year in Formula 2 and then we will see what the next steps will be."

Both drivers will race in F2 this year with Lawson joining Carlin and Vips remaining with Hitech.

Of the two, Vips enjoyed the stronger 2021 season finishing sixth in the standings, three places ahead of New Zealander Lawson.

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