In a surprising but strategic move, reigning Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen will not participate in the first free Red Bull practice session (FP1) of the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend. Red Bull Racing confirmed that Verstappen will be temporarily replaced by Japanese rookie Ayumu Iwasa, as part of a regulation that requires teams to give young drivers a chance behind the wheel during the season.
This decision is not due to any health or technical issue for Verstappen, but rather a deliberate step by Red Bull to fulfill their commitment to Formula 1’s young driver initiative. The rule, introduced to help nurture future racing talent, states that every team must run a rookie driver in at least two FP1 sessions during the calendar year.
Who is Ayumu Iwasa?
Ayumu Iwasa is a promising driver from Japan, currently part of Red Bull’s junior driver academy. The 22-year-old has built a strong racing reputation in recent years, with notable performances in Formula 2 and Super Formula. Iwasa was also the 2021 French Formula 4 Champion and a race winner in Formula 2, considered one of the final steps before making it to Formula 1.
This won’t be Iwasa’s first time driving a Formula 1 car during a Grand Prix weekend. In the past, he has taken part in FP1 sessions with Red Bull’s sister team, Racing Bulls (formerly AlphaTauri), including appearances at the Japanese and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix. However, this will mark his debut in Red Bull’s main F1 car, the RB21—an opportunity that could significantly boost his career trajectory.
Why Bahrain?
Red Bull’s choice to run Iwasa in Bahrain’s FP1 is no accident. The Bahrain Grand Prix is the opening race of the season and its first practice session takes place during the day. This session is not as useful for collecting performance data, since the qualifying and main race happen at night under cooler conditions. Therefore, sacrificing Verstappen’s seat time during FP1 has minimal impact on the team’s competitive preparations.
By letting Iwasa run in FP1, Red Bull satisfies the rookie requirement early in the season and gives their young prospect valuable track time without compromising their setup strategies. Verstappen is scheduled to return to the car for FP2, which is held in night conditions and provides more relevant performance data for the rest of the race weekend.
How Other Teams Are Handling the Rule
Red Bull is not the only team rotating drivers this weekend. Other leading Formula 1 teams are also giving rookie drivers a chance to shine in Bahrain’s opening practice session.
- Mercedes has announced that Frederik Vesti will take George Russell’s seat in FP1. Vesti was the 2023 Formula 2 runner-up and is highly regarded within the Mercedes Driver Academy.
- Ferrari will sit out Charles Leclerc during FP1, allowing Swedish rookie Dino Beganovic to drive. Beganovic is a Ferrari junior who has shown strong performances in the Formula 3 and Formula Regional championships.
- Aston Martin has chosen Felipe Drugovich to stand in for Fernando Alonso. Drugovich, the 2022 Formula 2 Champion, is already a reserve and test driver for the team and has previous F1 mileage under his belt.
These moves show that teams across the grid are planning carefully to meet the rule without disrupting their race plans. The rookie requirement is seen by many as a valuable initiative that helps develop future stars while giving teams a reason to explore new talent.
What This Means for Verstappen and Red Bull
While fans might be surprised to see Verstappen miss a session, there’s no cause for concern. The Dutch driver, who is entering the season as the three-time defending World Champion, remains fully committed and will return to the cockpit for FP2 and beyond.
For Red Bull, this strategy also reflects the confidence they have in their race preparation process and Verstappen’s adaptability. Verstappen has shown time and again that he can get up to speed quickly and doesn’t need extra practice time to perform at his best. His race engineer and team strategists will ensure he’s ready for qualifying and the main event.
Moreover, giving Iwasa this opportunity is also an investment in the future. Red Bull has a long history of grooming young talent through its development program. Drivers like Sebastian Vettel, Daniel Ricciardo, Pierre Gasly, and even Verstappen himself all came through this system. Letting Iwasa drive the RB21 on a race weekend is a sign that the team sees serious potential in him.
Iwasa’s Big Opportunity
For Ayumu Iwasa, this is more than just a 60-minute practice session—it’s a golden opportunity to impress not only Red Bull Racing but the entire Formula 1 paddock. Every lap, every turn, and every piece of feedback he provides will be watched closely by engineers, team bosses, and possibly even rival teams.
If he performs well, it could lead to more practice runs or even a reserve driver role in the future. With Formula 1’s highly competitive nature and limited race seats, every small chance to drive matters immensely.
Final Thoughts
Red Bull’s decision to temporarily bench Max Verstappen during FP1 in Bahrain highlights both strategic thinking and long-term planning. By giving Ayumu Iwasa a chance in the car, they’re not just following the rules—they’re also investing in their future. It’s a smart move that keeps the team compliant, their main driver fresh, and their young talent motivated.
Fans should not be worried about Verstappen’s absence in FP1. It’s part of the bigger picture in a sport where preparation, development, and adaptability are just as important as raw speed. As the season kicks off under the lights of Bahrain, all eyes will be on both the established champions and the rising stars hoping to join them one day.
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