BREAKING: Max Verstappen REPLACED at Abu Dhabi GP as after Red Bull…read more
Max Verstappen REPLACED at Abu Dhabi GP as after Red Bull…read more
Red Bull Racing has announced that Isack Hadjar, a promising talent from their junior driver program, will replace Max Verstappen for the first practice session (FP1) at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. This marks the final race weekend of the 2024 Formula One season and is part of Red Bull’s obligation to comply with F1’s regulations, which require each team to field a young driver in at least one FP1 session during the season. With Abu Dhabi being the last opportunity to fulfill this rule, Verstappen will step aside to allow Hadjar to gain valuable track time and showcase his skills at the highest level of motorsport.
Hadjar, who previously drove in an FP1 session earlier in the year when he replaced Sergio Perez during the British Grand Prix, now gets another opportunity in Abu Dhabi. Verstappen had yet to make way for a young driver this season, so Red Bull’s decision to have Hadjar take over his car is timely. With the championship already decided, this move gives the team a chance to meet the rookie driver mandate while also assessing Hadjar’s potential.
Verstappen recently secured his fourth consecutive World Drivers’ Championship after a strategic fifth-place finish at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, adding to his already dominant legacy in Formula One. The 27-year-old Dutchman capped off another remarkable season, clinching the title well ahead of the final race. While there was a brief period of uncertainty during the middle of the season, when McLaren’s Lando Norris closed the gap in the standings with a series of strong performances, Verstappen regained control and established an insurmountable lead. Heading into the last two races of the year, Verstappen held a 63-point advantage, making the title race a foregone conclusion.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which will be held at the Yas Marina Circuit on December 8, offers Red Bull a dual purpose. Not only does it allow them to meet the regulatory requirement to run a young driver in an FP1 session, but it also gives the team a chance to evaluate Hadjar’s potential for the future. As one of the rising stars in Red Bull’s junior program, Hadjar is seen as a key figure in the team’s long-term driver development plans. His performances in lower categories have already drawn attention, and this FP1 session gives him another opportunity to prove himself.
For Verstappen, missing FP1 is of little consequence at this stage in the season. With his fourth title already secured, his focus will be on closing out the season on a high note. The remaining races, including Abu Dhabi, are more about refining strategies, gathering data for the 2025 season, and fulfilling Formula One’s regulatory requirements. While Verstappen will undoubtedly aim to finish the season strong, the absence from FP1 allows Red Bull to focus on their broader goals, including their future lineup.
Red Bull, who have dominated the 2024 season with both drivers and constructors’ titles secured, continue to demonstrate their commitment to fostering young talent while maintaining their position as the top team in Formula One. Hadjar’s FP1 session in Abu Dhabi reflects Red Bull’s broader vision of developing future stars while celebrating their unparalleled success this season. With Verstappen leading the charge and new talent emerging from their junior program, Red Bull remains the dominant force in the sport and looks set to continue their success in the coming years.
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