Just in:Red Bull confirm Ricciardo replacement for Abu Dhabi……read more
Red Bull confirm Ricciardo replacement for Abu Dhabi……read more
Red Bull Racing (RB) has confirmed a change to their driver lineup for the upcoming Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, marking the conclusion of the 2024 Formula 1 season at the Yas Marina Circuit. As the season draws to a close, the final race is set to be an exciting one, with several teams battling for crucial positions in both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships.
This race is particularly significant as McLaren and Ferrari continue their fierce competition for the final place in the Constructors’ Championship standings. The two teams are locked in a tight battle, and this final showdown will determine who secures the position. Meanwhile, the battle for sixth place between Alpine and Haas is also heating up, with Alpine currently holding the advantage over Haas in the standings. As for Red Bull Racing, they remain firmly in the mix for eighth place, maintaining a strong position despite the dominance of other teams throughout the season.
In a strategic move, Red Bull has opted to make a change to their driver lineup for this race weekend. Ayumu Iwasa, a Red Bull junior driver, will replace Yuki Tsunoda for the first practice session (FP1) on Friday. Iwasa, who has shown great promise in both Formula 2 and the Japanese Super Formula series, will get another opportunity to showcase his talent in a Formula 1 car. Iwasa’s promotion to take part in FP1 follows his successful debut earlier this year at the Japanese Grand Prix, where he substituted for Daniel Ricciardo during the first practice session. At that time, Iwasa had the chance to drive alongside Tsunoda, his fellow Japanese driver, and gained valuable experience in a top-tier Formula 1 environment.
Ricciardo, who had been racing for the junior Red Bull team earlier this season, has since departed from the team due to an injury sustained in a crash during the Dutch Grand Prix. As a result, Iwasa is now given another opportunity to drive in an official F1 session, this time with Liam Lawson, another Red Bull junior driver, as a benchmark to compare performance.
Iwasa, aged 23, is widely regarded as a future star in motorsport, having impressed in various feeder series. His success in Formula 2, where he has consistently competed at a high level, coupled with his solid performances in Super Formula, has made him a promising talent in the Red Bull driver program. His appointment for the Abu Dhabi GP’s FP1 will give him a valuable chance to demonstrate his skills and further strengthen his case for a future seat in Formula 1.
The session will allow Iwasa to get a feel for the car and the track before handing it back to Tsunoda, who will take over for the remainder of the weekend’s sessions, including the all-important qualifying and the race itself. This arrangement highlights the continued trust Red Bull places in their current driver lineup, while also providing Iwasa with the exposure and experience necessary to develop as a driver within the prestigious team.
For Iwasa, this opportunity is an important stepping stone in his Formula 1 career. Although he is not expected to race in the final race of the season, his presence in FP1 demonstrates Red Bull’s commitment to nurturing young talent and giving them the platform to prove themselves. The team is known for promoting its junior drivers to the big stage, and Iwasa’s inclusion in this session could be a precursor to more significant opportunities in the future.
Red Bull’s decision to field Iwasa for FP1 in Abu Dhabi is also reflective of their ongoing efforts to evaluate their pool of junior drivers. With the competitive nature of F1, Red Bull has several young talents in their ranks, and Iwasa’s performance in this session will likely be closely watched by the team’s management. The hope is that he will demonstrate his potential and possibly secure a spot for future races or even a potential seat in F1 in the coming seasons.
In summary, Red Bull Racing’s lineup change for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix brings Ayumu Iwasa into the fold for the first practice session, replacing Yuki Tsunoda. This decision offers Iwasa another chance to showcase his skills after his debut earlier this year. It also highlights Red Bull’s commitment to developing young drivers within their program, with Iwasa regarded as a rising star in motorsport. As he takes to the track in Abu Dhabi, all eyes will be on Iwasa to see how he fares against his fellow drivers, particularly Liam Lawson, as the future of Red Bull’s driver lineup continues to evolve.
About The Author
