Max Verstappen, the reigning Formula 1 champion, is set to miss a crucial session at the upcoming Bahrain Grand Prix, shocking fans worldwide. The official statement from Red Bull confirms that the Dutch driver will be replaced by the talented rookie, Ayumu Iwasa, in the RB21 for FP1 on Friday.
The decision to have rookie drivers participate in official sessions stems from the new regulations implemented for the 2025 season. Each F1 team is now required to field a rookie driver in their cars at least twice throughout the year, a significant change from previous seasons. This move aims to provide more opportunities for young drivers to showcase their skills on the big stage.
Ayumu Iwasa, a Red Bull junior driver, is no stranger to the F1 scene, having previously substituted for drivers like Daniel Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda in practice sessions. With a background in Formula 2 and current success in Super Formula, where he leads the championship, Iwasa is poised to make a statement during his FP1 drive for Red Bull.
In addition to Iwasa, other rookies will also be taking the wheel during FP1 in Bahrain. Felipe Drugovich, Ryo Hirakawa, Frederik Vesti, Dino Beganovic, and Luke Browning are among the young talents who will be filling in for regular drivers in this unique session.
Fans can expect Verstappen to make a strong comeback in FP2 on Friday as he aims to continue his winning momentum following a stellar performance at the Japanese Grand Prix. The Red Bull driver will be eager to showcase his skills once again and prove why he is a force to be reckoned with in the world of Formula 1.
