Max Verstappen will sit out the first practice session (FP1) at…Read more
In 2025, Formula 1 teams are required to give rookies more chances to drive during Friday practice sessions. The number of these mandated rookie sessions has doubled from two to four, creating more opportunities for rising stars to experience a Grand Prix weekend. As a result, Verstappen, along with other regular drivers, will miss out on FP1 to allow young talent to gain more experience in the high-pressure environment of a race weekend.
For Red Bull, Verstappen’s seat will be occupied by Ayumu Iwasa, a promising young driver from Japan who is set to make his debut for the team during a race weekend. Iwasa, who is currently leading the Super Formula standings in Japan for Team Mugen, has previously participated in FP1 sessions with Red Bull at Suzuka and Abu Dhabi in 2023, along with post-season testing. The 23-year-old is seen as an important member of Red Bull’s driver development program, and his performance in FP1 will be closely watched as he prepares for a potential future in Formula 1.
Aston Martin is also participating in the rookie driver initiative, with reserve driver Felipe Drugovich taking over Fernando Alonso’s seat for the FP1 session. Drugovich, a Brazilian driver and the 2022 Formula 2 champion, is a valuable reserve for the team, and his experience in lower categories will provide him with a good opportunity to demonstrate his skills during the practice session.
At Williams, another rookie will take the wheel in place of a regular driver. Junior driver Luke Browning, who secured a podium finish in the opening sprint race in Formula 2 in Melbourne, will step in for Carlos Sainz during FP1. Browning’s appearance marks a significant opportunity for the 20-year-old British driver to showcase his potential in the Formula 1 environment, particularly in a race weekend setting.
Mercedes will also see a driver change, with reserve Frederik Vesti replacing George Russell for the FP1 session. Vesti, who is part of the Mercedes junior program, has been balancing his Formula 1 reserve duties with competing in the IMSA series. This dual commitment provides Vesti with a diverse set of experiences, but his participation in the Bahrain GP will give him a chance to showcase his capabilities behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car. Vesti has previously substituted for drivers like Russell during practice sessions, and his performance in Bahrain could potentially strengthen his case for a full-time Formula 1 seat in the future.
In addition to the changes at Red Bull, Aston Martin, Williams, and Mercedes, Ferrari will also have a new driver in FP1. Dino Beganovic, another junior driver in the Ferrari program, will replace Charles Leclerc for the session. Beganovic, who has impressed in Formula 2, will take the opportunity to gain invaluable experience in a Formula 1 car, furthering his development with the Ferrari team.
With several teams fielding rookie drivers this weekend, the Bahrain Grand Prix provides an excellent platform for these young talents to demonstrate their skills in front of a global audience. Teams are required to run at least four rookie sessions during the season, but they are permitted to field rookies more than the mandated number if they wish. Some teams, like Mercedes, have already fulfilled part of their obligation, with Vesti taking his third rookie session for the season in Bahrain.
The rule that mandates rookie sessions has sparked a trend in Formula 1 where young drivers get the chance to learn from the best and gain experience in a competitive environment. Teams can field their rookie drivers as they see fit, and many of these drivers are making their first significant appearance in front of the world during these practice sessions.
In 2025, the increasing participation of rookie drivers is likely to have a significant impact on the future of Formula 1. As more and more young talents get the chance to drive on the biggest stage, the sport is looking forward to seeing which drivers will emerge as potential stars in the coming seasons. Whether it’s Iwasa, Drugovich, Browning, Vesti, or Beganovic, each driver is eager to prove their worth and make a lasting impression in the world of Formula 1.
