Max Verstappen will sit out the opening practice session at the Mexican Grand Prix as Red Bull Racing fulfils its mandatory rookie running requirements by handing Ayumu Iwasa an opportunity behind the wheel.
The Japanese driver will take Verstappen’s place in FP1, gaining valuable experience in a Formula 1 car during an official Grand Prix weekend. The session also gives Red Bull another chance to assess Iwasa’s progress within its driver development programme.
Iwasa gets another chance with Red Bull
Iwasa will represent Red Bull during the opening session at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, replacing Verstappen for the first practice hour.
The opportunity allows the Japanese driver to familiarise himself further with the demands of a Formula 1 weekend while demonstrating his abilities to the team. Running in Mexico will also provide experience of the circuit’s unique characteristics, including its high altitude and the resulting challenges for car performance.
Red Bull fulfils mandatory rookie requirements
Formula 1 teams are required to give young drivers opportunities to participate in official practice sessions during the season. These sessions are intended to help rookies gain experience at the highest level of motorsport while allowing teams to evaluate emerging talent.
By selecting Iwasa, Red Bull can meet its obligations while continuing to assess a driver already familiar with its wider development programme.
Verstappen returns later in the weekend
Verstappen will miss only the opening practice session, with the Dutchman expected to return to the cockpit for the remainder of the Mexican Grand Prix weekend.
The lost track time means Red Bull will need to gather useful data through Iwasa’s running before Verstappen resumes preparations for qualifying and the race.
With the Mexican circuit presenting distinctive technical challenges, the team will be looking to make the most of FP1 despite having its regular race driver on the sidelines.
Would you like to see more TJ13 Formula 1 coverage? Add us to your favourites list on Google to receive trusted F1 news.
The Judge, a nom de plume of an experienced F1 journalist and site founder with long-standing sources across the paddock. With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
