Plans are underway to introduce a special sprint race for young drivers following the conclusion of the Formula 1 season in Abu Dhabi.

Speaking to Italian media, including La Repubblica, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali discussed the concept ahead of the Italian Grand Prix - where the local heroes at Ferrari are anticipated to be a leading contender for victory.

"Ferrari as a protagonist is certainly a very important factor for F1," the Italian remarked. "But in the years of (Max) Verstappen's dominance, interest in F1 did not diminish at all."

He continued, "More and more countries want a GP, and we are also in discussions with Africa - with Rwanda. We were Eurocentric, now Europe represents about a third of the world championship. But we will remain at 24 grands prix."

Domenicali also noted, "Over the next few years, there will be room to increase the number of sprint races, and we are discussing whether it will be possible to do it like MotoGP in the future - with all sprint races."

Liberty Media, Domenicali's employer, recently acquired MotoGP, sparking rumours of a possible combined F1-MotoGP event.

"We are waiting for the European antitrust authority's ruling on the transaction by the end of the year," he mentioned, "so I cannot comment before that."

However, he hinted at exciting developments for the post-season test at Abu Dhabi, traditionally held just after the final race of the world championship.

"In Abu Dhabi, during the tests, perhaps we will do a sprint race for young people," Domenicali disclosed. "We are opening many frontiers and there are many young people who follow us, to the point that we have started to do merchandising for children and women."

He added, "Such growth was not a given, especially after covid which could have ended the world championship."

There were no full-time rookie drivers on the grid for 2024, but the situation is set to change dramatically next year. Jack Doohan has already secured a seat with Alpine, and Liam Lawson is likely to debut full-time in 2025 with RB.

Mercedes plans to use 18-year-old Kimi Antonelli's practice debut on Friday at Monza to also announce that the young Italian will be Lewis Hamilton's full-time successor next year.

"As Italians we are proud," Domenicali said, "but it is news that is appreciated by everyone.

"Kimi is a point of reference for a great team like Mercedes, which means he is a champion with great talent, as well as being a great guy with a beautiful family. Let's not put too much pressure on his shoulders, but finally an Italian is returning to F1," he continued.

Criticism has been directed at Ferrari for not signing Antonelli when he was available years ago. "It's not right for me to be the one to answer that," the F1 CEO stated.

"But Kimi is a further push for the Italian boys to believe. Next year 20 percent of the grid will be rookies, and new blood is always good."

Before Antonelli's expected full debut in 2025, a thrilling championship battle is underway in 2024, with several teams now challenging Red Bull's previous dominance.

"I knew it would be a close fight," Domenicali said. "Both titles are open and I would also include Ferrari among the contenders for the constructors."

He observed, "What we are seeing is the limit of car developments, and teams struggling with the correlation between simulation and performance on the track, in addition to the fact that the limitation of hours in the wind tunnel has allowed them to get closer to Red Bull."

When asked if he would consider abandoning the significant 2026 regulation changes to ensure closer competition in the seasons ahead, Domenicali replied, "No."

"One of the objectives of F1 is to try to anticipate changes in the future. The new power unit will be a challenge for the constructors, just as sustainable fuels will be crucial for all mobility going forwards."