Breaking news: Max Verstappen to Miss Bahrain GP Session as Red Bull Opts for….Readmore
Max Verstappen, a four-time Formula 1 world champion, will miss part of the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend as he is replaced by Red Bull’s junior driver for the first session. Verstappen’s absence from the opening practice session (FP1) on Friday comes as part of Red Bull’s commitment to the new F1 regulations for the 2025 season.
As per the updated rules, each Formula 1 team is now required to field a rookie driver in both of their cars at least twice during the season, an increase from the previous rule which mandated one appearance per car. This change has been implemented to provide greater opportunities for young drivers to gain experience in F1, and Red Bull has opted to fulfill part of this requirement at the Bahrain Grand Prix.
Ayumu Iwasa, a Red Bull rookie, will take Verstappen’s seat during FP1 in Bahrain. The 2025 regulation encourages teams to give rookies track time, particularly at circuits where the full-time drivers are already well-acquainted, such as Bahrain, which hosted pre-season testing. Given the familiarity of the Bahrain International Circuit with all drivers, it presents a practical and effective venue for fulfilling the rookie driver quota.
Red Bull’s decision to provide Iwasa with the opportunity to drive the RB21 during FP1 highlights the team’s strategy to adhere to the new rules while also giving young talents valuable exposure to F1-level competition. For Iwasa, this session will offer a crucial chance to showcase his skills and gain insight into the dynamics of a Formula 1 car in a race weekend environment.
With Verstappen, the reigning world champion, unable to participate in the opening practice session, the move is part of a broader trend across the grid, as several teams look to ensure they comply with the rookie driver requirements early in the season. It also underlines the importance of nurturing the next generation of F1 talent, providing them with crucial track time and experience, which may not be as easily available in regular race weekends.
As the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend progresses, Verstappen will return to the car for the subsequent sessions, but Iwasa’s involvement in FP1 is a significant step in Red Bull’s effort to fulfill the new F1 regulations and contribute to the development of young drivers within the sport.
