Max Verstappen to Miss Bahrain GP Practice as Red Bull Fields Rookie Ayumu Iwasa
In a notable development ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix, four-time Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen will be absent from the first practice session (FP1) of the race weekend. Red Bull Racing confirmed that Japanese junior driver Ayumu Iwasa will be stepping in to drive the RB21 during FP1, as part of the team’s obligation under new FIA regulations introduced for the 2025 season.
The rule change, implemented to enhance opportunities for young and upcoming drivers, mandates that each team must allow a rookie to participate in at least two practice sessions per season — once in each car. This is an increase from the previous requirement, which only called for a single rookie outing per car annually.
Red Bull is among several teams choosing the Bahrain Grand Prix to begin meeting this requirement. The Bahrain International Circuit, known for hosting pre-season testing, is a familiar venue for all regular drivers on the grid. Teams see it as an ideal opportunity to integrate their junior talents without compromising crucial data collection, given the drivers’ extensive experience at the circuit.
Alongside Iwasa’s appearance for Red Bull, other rookies will also take to the track for FP1 with different teams. Felipe Drugovich will be driving for Aston Martin, Ryo Hirakawa for Haas, Frederik Vesti will take the wheel for Mercedes, Dino Beganovic will represent Ferrari, and Luke Browning will step in for Carlos Sainz at Williams.
All the regular drivers, including Verstappen, are scheduled to return to their cars for the second free practice session (FP2) later on Friday. Verstappen will be looking to build on his recent momentum following a dominant performance and race win at the Japanese Grand Prix.
Who is Ayumu Iwasa?
Ayumu Iwasa, who will be making his third appearance in an official Formula 1 session, is a prominent member of the Red Bull Junior Team. However, this FP1 outing will mark his debut behind the wheel of a Red Bull Racing car.
The 23-year-old Japanese talent has prior F1 practice experience. He first drove in FP1 during the 2024 Japanese Grand Prix, stepping in for Daniel Ricciardo with the Racing Bulls team (Red Bull’s sister outfit, previously known as AlphaTauri). He later participated in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix’s first practice session, this time replacing fellow Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda.
Outside of his Formula 1 experience, Iwasa is currently competing in the 2025 Super Formula championship, where he’s already proving to be a formidable force. After the first two races of the season, he sits at the top of the standings, having secured back-to-back podium finishes. His consistent performances and growing maturity have kept him firmly on Red Bull’s radar as a potential future F1 prospect.
Iwasa’s inclusion in FP1 is not just about fulfilling a regulatory requirement — it’s also a testament to the trust and investment Red Bull continues to place in its junior development program. Over the years, the Red Bull driver academy has produced top-tier drivers like Sebastian Vettel, Daniel Ricciardo, and Verstappen himself. The team’s commitment to giving rookies real-world F1 experience has played a key role in maintaining a strong talent pipeline.
In their official announcement, Red Bull Racing shared the news via social media with the message: “In the RB21 for FP1. @ayumuiwasa_cars will drive Max’s car for the first session of the weekend.”
Despite missing the first session, Verstappen is expected to return stronger in FP2 and the rest of the race weekend. His absence in FP1 is not likely to hinder his preparation significantly, as he is intimately familiar with the Bahrain circuit and has shown remarkable consistency throughout the season. With three wins already under his belt this year, Verstappen remains the championship frontrunner and a strong favorite for the race.
For Iwasa, this outing represents a significant step in his career — an opportunity to showcase his skills at the highest level of motorsport. A strong performance could further solidify his position within the Red Bull family and potentially open doors to future F1 opportunities.
As the 2025 season continues to embrace fresh talent through regulatory encouragement, fans can expect to see more rookies making appearances across various Grand Prix weekends. Bahrain marks the beginning of what could be a defining year for many young drivers hoping to break into the elite world of Formula 1.
