Japanese racer Ayumu Iwasa will be seen driving Max Verstappen’s car for FP1 in the upcoming Bahrain Grand Prix 2025. The news has been announced by Red Bull ahead of the mega event. The 23-year-old Iwasa is set to drive a Red Bull car for the first time after making appearances for them in sessions previously.
Notably, the decision to let Ayumu Iwasa drive Max Verstapppen’s car is part of a wider plan by Red Bull to complete Formula 1’s rookie running commitments early in the season. However, the practice session will have a very little effect on the race day performance.
Max Versatappen set to return for FP2
Belgian racing star Max Verstappen is set to back in his traditional racing role during the free practice two. The teams have started more substantive and performance analysis on a race-related basis. Notably Red Bull are now following the tactics of other premium teams with the likes of Mercedes, Ferrari, Haas, Aston Martin, and Williams. All the teams are using Bahrain FP1 to complete their first rookie outing.
Notably, the decision to make Max Veratappen sit out in the FP1 is meant for a great extent by the timing of the season. Usually the free practice takes place in the hot conditions in the afternoon. However, FP1 has little similarity to night time cool conditions and the practice will take place during that time.
