Iwasa Replaces Verstappen for Bahrain FP1 Session

Red Bull to Replace Max Verstappen with Ayumu Iwasa in Bahrain FP1

RaceBrief.com reports that, in accordance with the new championship regulations requiring drivers to participate in two free practice sessions per season, Red Bull will replace Max Verstappen with their reserve driver Ayumu Iwasa for the first practice session at the Bahrain Grand Prix.

Additionally, six debutants will substitute for main drivers during the Bahrain FP1 sessions. Previously, Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull, Haas, Aston Martin, and Williams confirmed their intention to give young drivers valuable experience in the opening free practice sessions.

At Bahrain, Felipe Drugović will replace Fernando Alonso, Dino Beganović will take over from Charles Leclerc, Frederik Vesti will stand in for George Russell, Luke Browning will substitute for Carlos Sainz, and Rio Hirakawa will drive in place of Oliver Bearman during FP1.