Max Verstappen will miss the first practice session of… Read more
Max Verstappen will miss the first practice session of the Bahrain Grand Prix, with Red Bull confirming that Japanese driver Ayumu Iwasa will take over in his place. Iwasa will be behind the wheel of Verstappen’s RB21 during the opening practice session of the Bahrain weekend, making his debut for Red Bull in the process. This is part of a broader trend in Formula 1 where each team is required to have their regular race drivers hand over their cars to a rookie driver for one of the practice sessions during the season.
The primary reason for Verstappen skipping the first practice session in Bahrain is that FP1 is considered one of the least indicative sessions of the weekend’s performance. It is held during the daytime, with track conditions significantly different from those during Free Practice 2, qualifying, and the race, all of which take place in the cooler nighttime conditions. This makes FP1 less valuable for gathering data that can be used in the more crucial sessions later in the weekend.
In line with Formula 1’s mandate that all teams must allow their race drivers to hand over their cars to rookie drivers for two practice sessions during the course of the season, Red Bull has decided that Verstappen will fulfill his part of the requirement during this weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix. It’s worth noting that Verstappen will return to the car for Free Practice 2 and will continue to participate for the remainder of the weekend, including qualifying and the race itself.
This move is part of a broader effort to give rookie drivers more exposure to Formula 1. Iwasa is not a complete newcomer to driving in practice sessions for Red Bull; he has previously stepped in for the team during FP1 sessions at the 2024 Japanese and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix. He also took part in the post-Abu Dhabi test, but this will be his first official outing for the team during a race weekend. Iwasa is currently racing for the DAMS team in Formula 2, where he has shown considerable promise, and his FP1 opportunity with Red Bull is a sign of his continued progression toward potential future opportunities in Formula 1.
The move is part of a wider trend in F1, where the majority of teams are adhering to the regulation that requires them to give rookie drivers a chance to participate in at least two practice sessions throughout the season. This initiative not only allows teams to evaluate young talent but also helps to bring fresh perspectives into the sport. Other teams, including Mercedes, Ferrari, Haas, Aston Martin, and Williams, are also adhering to the mandate for this season, with each of them providing a rookie driver the chance to participate in FP1 at Bahrain. This further highlights the increasing importance of nurturing young drivers and providing them with opportunities to gain experience in the highly competitive environment of Formula 1.
For Iwasa, the Bahrain GP will be a key opportunity to showcase his skills and build on his experience from previous FP1 appearances. Although he may not be racing in Bahrain, his role as Verstappen’s replacement for FP1 provides him with valuable seat time in a Formula 1 car, which can be pivotal for his development as a driver. Being part of the Red Bull program offers Iwasa the chance to demonstrate his potential to one of the most successful teams in the sport and could help him secure a full-time F1 seat in the future if his performances are impressive enough.
While Verstappen’s absence from FP1 in Bahrain may not have a significant impact on Red Bull’s weekend – given the session’s relative lack of relevance – the decision to rotate in a rookie driver underscores Red Bull’s commitment to complying with F1’s regulations while also providing valuable opportunities for rising stars like Iwasa. With Red Bull’s dominance in recent seasons and Verstappen’s reputation as the reigning world champion, Iwasa’s presence in the car for FP1 is unlikely to change the overall balance of power in the team or the championship. However, it does provide an exciting glimpse into the future of Red Bull and the broader F1 landscape as young drivers are given more chances to prove themselves on the world stage.
In conclusion, Max Verstappen will sit out the first practice session of the 2025 Bahrain Grand Prix, with Ayumu Iwasa stepping in to drive the Red Bull RB21. This move is part of a season-wide initiative requiring teams to allow rookie drivers a chance to take part in FP1. Iwasa’s debut for Red Bull follows his previous outings with the team during practice sessions at the Japanese and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix, and while his participation in FP1 in Bahrain may not affect the overall performance of Red Bull, it is an important opportunity for him to showcase his potential as he continues his career in motorsport.
