New driver lineup confirmed as SIX F1 drivers replaced for Bahrain

New driver lineup confirmed as SIX F1 drivers replaced for Bahrain GP set to….read more

The first practice session of the 2025 Bahrain Grand Prix is set to see a significant shake-up as six full-time Formula 1 drivers will be temporarily replaced by rookies. This move comes as part of a new FIA mandate introduced for the 2025 season, requiring each team to give more track time to young, less experienced drivers.

This regulation stipulates that every team must allow a rookie driver—defined as a racer who has competed in two or fewer F1 Grands Prix—to take part in at least two practice sessions in each of their cars over the season. This marks a change from the previous rule that only required one rookie appearance per car per season, effectively doubling the exposure opportunities for up-and-coming talent.

As Bahrain hosted pre-season testing earlier this year, most experienced drivers have already logged significant mileage at the circuit. Consequently, teams are taking advantage of the rule by fielding rookies in FP1 without compromising valuable track time for their regular race drivers.

Among the notable changes, reigning world champion Max Verstappen will step aside for Red Bull junior driver Ayumu Iwasa. The Japanese talent will team up with Yuki Tsunoda for FP1, forming an all-Japanese Red Bull duo for the session. Iwasa’s appearance follows his solid performances in Formula 2 and a growing reputation within Red Bull’s driver program.

Ferrari is also participating in the rookie rollout by replacing Charles Leclerc with academy member Dino Beganovic. The young Swede will have a major opportunity to demonstrate his potential behind the wheel of one of the sport’s most iconic cars.

Mercedes has followed suit, giving Frederik Vesti another chance to impress at the top level by substituting him in place of George Russell. Vesti has served as a reserve driver for the team and is already well-integrated into Mercedes’ long-term strategy.

Aston Martin is bringing back familiar face Felipe Drugovich, the 2022 Formula 2 champion, who will take over Fernando Alonso’s car for the session. The Brazilian driver has previously impressed in reserve roles and continues to be a strong contender for a full-time seat in the future.

Williams will rest Carlos Sainz, allowing British driver Luke Browning, a rising star from the Williams Driver Academy, to take the wheel. Browning has shown promise in junior categories and will be eager to make the most of this chance to prove himself in an F1 setting.

Finally, Haas has brought in Ryo Hirakawa, a Japanese endurance racing specialist who recently made his FP1 debut with Alpine at the Japanese Grand Prix. This time, Hirakawa will take the place of rookie Ollie Bearman, who only recently joined the grid as a full-time driver.

The complete FP1 rookie lineup for the Bahrain GP includes:

Ayumu Iwasa, replacing Max Verstappen at Red Bull

Frederik Vesti, replacing George Russell at Mercedes

Dino Beganovic, replacing Charles Leclerc at Ferrari

Felipe Drugovich, replacing Fernando Alonso at Aston Martin

Luke Browning, replacing Carlos Sainz at Williams

Ryo Hirakawa, replacing Ollie Bearman at Haas

This development reflects Formula 1’s increasing commitment to developing young talent and ensuring a smoother transition into top-tier motorsport. In 2025 alone, four rookies—Isack Hadjar, Jack Doohan, Kimi Antonelli, and Gabriel Bortoleto—secured full-time seats, a sign of growing confidence in emerging drivers.

Additionally, teams have invested in promising reserve talents like Paul Aron at Alpine and Arthur Leclerc at Ferrari. With the revised rookie session rules, many of these drivers are expected to feature in upcoming practice sessions, offering them a vital platform to gain F1 experience and make a case for future race seats.

However, not all young drivers qualify under the FIA’s rookie definition. For instance, Franco Colapinto, who has already competed in more than two F1 races, would not be eligible for these rookie runs if Alpine were to consider him during future practice sessions.

The new rules are seen as a major boost for junior drivers, doubling their on-track exposure and offering more pathways into Formula 1. Bahrain’s FP1 session will be the first real test of this system in 2025, and all

eyes will be on how the rookies perform.