The team "throws" Max Verstappen out for the first free practice session to replace him with a Japanese rookie/protégé.
Under this year's rules, rookies must be given four opportunities to gain experience in FP1, with Bahrain being the most suitable venue. The first free practice session doesn't carry much weight, as the real action takes center stage at this track. Moreover, the young drivers know the track well, as it's a well-known and established venue for junior series. Following this logic, Ayumu Iwasa could take the seat in Max Verstappen's Red Bull, creating a rare combination: an all-Japanese driver duo in a Formula 1 team.
At 23, Iwasa is no longer considered winless; he currently leads the Super Formula championship, but he also spent two years in F2, where he was also among the top. It will be interesting to see how he fares against Yuki Tsunoda!
Photo: FML / Red Bull
