Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen is set to miss part of the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend. Verstappen’s Red Bull will be driven by junior driver Ayumu Iwasa during the first practice session on Friday. This change is part of Red Bull’s compliance with new rules for rookie drivers set for 2025, which require each team to field a rookie in at least two sessions per car throughout the season.
The introduction of this rule aims to create more opportunities for emerging talent in F1. Bahrain’s familiarity among seasoned drivers, owing to its role in pre-season testing, makes it an ideal setting for fulfilling part of this rookie-driving requirement. Alongside Iwasa, several other rookies will take the wheel for different teams, including Felipe Drugovich for Aston Martin and Ryo Hirakawa for Haas.
Despite missing the first practice session, Max Verstappen will be back behind the wheel for Friday’s second practice session as he continues building on his impressive victory at the recent Japanese Grand Prix. This strategic utilization of Iwasa provides an exciting opportunity for the young talent, who has already demonstrated his potential in F1.
Exciting Opportunity for Ayumu Iwasa
Ayumu Iwasa will be making his third appearance in an official F1 session, but notably, this marks his first time driving for Red Bull. Iwasa, a promising 23-year-old Red Bull junior driver, previously filled in for Daniel Ricciardo during last year’s Japanese Grand Prix practice and substituted for Yuki Tsunoda during FP1 at the Abu Dhabi GP.
As a former Formula 2 driver, Iwasa is currently competing full-time in the Super Formula Championship, where he leads the standings after securing two podium finishes in the opening races of the season. This chance to drive Verstappen’s car, even for just one session, underscores his growing reputation and provides valuable exposure on the world stage.
Future Implications for Red Bull and F1
This session in Bahrain is more than just a regulatory formality for Red Bull; it’s a potential glimpse into the future, showcasing their ongoing commitment to nourishing talent within their ranks. Red Bull’s strategic decision to field Iwasa not only demonstrates their adherence to the new rules but also their intention to invest in their developmental drivers.
The impact of this session extends beyond just the immediate race weekend. It aligns with F1’s broader efforts to encourage and develop new talent. As the weekend unfolds, fans and analysts alike will be keen to observe Iwasa’s performance, which could hint at future possibilities for his career in Formula 1.
