Breaking: Verstappen to be REPLACED in Red Bull driver swap following…read more
Verstappen to be REPLACED in Red Bull driver swap following…read more
Reigning Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen will sit out the first practice session (FP1) at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as part of a Red Bull driver swap. This decision comes after Verstappen secured his fourth world championship at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, capping off a challenging yet successful season for Red Bull Racing.
Verstappen has been the cornerstone of Red Bull’s 2024 campaign, consistently extracting peak performance from the RB20 despite stiff competition from McLaren and their star driver, Lando Norris. The Dutchman’s dominance throughout the season has shielded the team from underperformance by his teammate Sergio Pérez, who has struggled with form. Pérez’s recent performances have been particularly disappointing, yielding just eight points in the last four races, further fueling speculation about his future at Red Bull.
Junior Driver Isack Hadjar Steps In
In line with Formula 1 regulations requiring teams to provide opportunities for junior drivers during FP1 sessions, Red Bull has confirmed that Isack Hadjar will drive Verstappen’s car at the Yas Marina Circuit. This will be Hadjar’s second FP1 appearance this season, following his earlier outing at Silverstone, where he replaced Pérez and finished 19th. The Abu Dhabi session represents a crucial opportunity for the young Frenchman to showcase his potential at the highest level.
Hadjar, currently second in the Formula 2 championship standings, trails leader and Sauber-bound Gabriel Bortoleto by just 4.5 points. The pair will face off in the season’s final F2 race in Lusail, with Hadjar aiming to close the gap and potentially secure the title.
Rumors Around Red Bull’s 2025 Lineup Intensify
Pérez’s struggles have reignited rumors about his position within the team. Liam Lawson, a standout performer in Red Bull’s junior program, is widely regarded as a strong contender to replace Pérez should the team decide to make a change. If Lawson is promoted to a full-time Red Bull seat, Hadjar could fill his vacancy in AlphaTauri, paving the way for a rapid ascent to Formula 1.
While Verstappen’s absence from FP1 is procedural, it underscores Red Bull’s focus on nurturing their young talent. For Hadjar, the Abu Dhabi session is more than a regulatory formality—it is a golden opportunity to stake his claim in the highly competitive world of Formula 1.
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