Max Verstappen has been replaced by Red Bull rookie Ayumu Isawa for FP1 of this weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix. The Dutchman came out on top during an uneventful Japanese Grand Prix last weekend to keep him in touch with early pace-setter Lando Norris at the top of the Drivers’ Championship standings.
Aside from a risky exit from the pit lane, Verstappen was relatively unchallenged throughout the Japanese Grand Prix, with McLaren duo Norris and Oscar Piastri caught in a squabble over who had the most pace to challenge him just behind. In the end, their differences got in the way, with Norris and Piastri forced to watch on as Verstappen took home his first race win of the year.
It was an ominous performance from the reigning world champion, not least because Red Bull have been met with plenty of criticisms around the quality of their car so far this season. Commenting on Red Bull’s performance so far, Andrea Stella, McLaren’s team principal, said: “I think definitely the most important condition to pursue both championships is having the best car.
“So somehow this relates to what I said before it’s important that when we are not in condition to win we keep racing in a robust way. Okay, like if you can’t win, finish on the podium and in the long term if you keep performing like this, I think this will be rewarding. I think Max, at the moment, is somehow making the difference himself, but it’s very difficult to keep up for 24 events in a season if you don’t have the best car.”
Verstappen has the chance to make it back-to-back victories on Sunday, but the 27-year-old won’t be involved in FP1 over the weekend. It’s part of a move by the Formula One organisers to ensure the next generation of drivers have the chance to test themselves on the best tracks in the world, with Red Bull junior Isawa set to be given a run out in Bahrain.
Teams are required to give rookies at least four practice sessions throughout the campaign, with plenty of constructors using this weekend as an opportunity to switch things up. Verstappen’s title rival, George Russell, will also sit out a practice session at the Bahrain Grand Prix. The Mercedes ace, who placed fifth in Japan, will be replaced by Fred Vesti. Practice gets underway in Bahrain on Friday, with qualifying to come on Saturday and the race itself on Sunday.
