Max Verstappen is set to be replaced at the……read more
Max Verstappen is set to be replaced at the……read more
Max Verstappe, the reigning Formula 1 world champion, is set to be replaced at the upcoming Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in a Red Bull driver swap, allowing the Dutch driver to relax during the final two races of the 2024 season. Verstappen, who clinched his fourth world title earlier in the season at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, has been a standout performer, consistently extracting maximum performance from his RB20 car. Despite facing significant competition from McLaren and Lando Norris, Verstappen has remained at the top of the standings, securing his place as one of the sport’s best.
While Verstappen has enjoyed a dominant year, his teammate, Sergio Perez, has faced a more challenging season. Perez, who joined Red Bull in 2021, has struggled with performance issues and has been unable to match Verstappen’s consistency on track. In fact, Perez’s performance has been particularly disappointing in the last four races, where he managed to score only eight points. These struggles have further fueled speculation about his future at Red Bull and have led to increased discussions about potential replacements for the Mexican driver.
The prospect of a driver swap within the team has been an ongoing topic of conversation, with Red Bull’s junior ranks offering a potential solution. One of the most talked-about candidates for the seat alongside Verstappen is Liam Lawson, who has impressed with his performances in the past. Lawson, a highly rated talent in the Red Bull Racing junior program, has previously had stints in Formula 1, and many believe he is the natural replacement for Perez if the team decides to make a change.
However, in an interesting twist, the focus has shifted toward another promising talent from Red Bull’s junior ranks: Isack Hadjar. The 19-year-old French driver has been selected to take part in a driver swap at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where he will replace Verstappen during the first practice session (FP1). This move is part of Red Bull’s commitment to providing opportunities for their junior drivers, as F1 regulations require teams to give their rookies the chance to drive in at least two separate Friday practice sessions each season.
Hadjar’s involvement in the Abu Dhabi session will offer a rare opportunity for him to showcase his skills in a top-level Formula 1 car. Although the session is likely to be a one-off, the team will closely monitor his performance to see how he fares compared to the more experienced drivers on the grid. Hadjar has previously tested with Red Bull at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone earlier this year, where he replaced Perez during a practice session. Despite not setting the world on fire during that outing, finishing in P19, the experience allowed him to gain valuable insights into the car and the level of performance required at the highest level.
At present, Hadjar is performing exceptionally well in the Formula 2 championship, currently sitting in second place in the drivers’ standings. He is just 4.5 points behind the leader, Gabriel Bortoleto, who is set to join Sauber for next season. The final round of the F2 season at Lusail this weekend will determine who comes out on top in this close battle for the championship. A strong performance from Hadjar in F2 could further cement his status as a potential future Red Bull driver, which would bolster his chances of earning a permanent seat with the team in the coming years.
For Red Bull, the driver swap in Abu Dhabi serves as a way to fulfill the mandatory requirement of allowing junior drivers to participate in Friday practice sessions. This is a crucial step for the team as they prepare for the future, giving their younger drivers opportunities to prove themselves and assess their potential for the top seat.
In conclusion, while Verstappen continues to dominate the 2024 season, Red Bull’s focus is also on the next generation of drivers within their ranks. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will provide a platform for Isack Hadjar to make his mark, with the possibility that he could play a more significant role in Red Bull’s future if Perez’s struggles continue. With Lawson and Hadjar emerging as key contenders, Red Bull is looking ahead to a future where fresh talent could complement Verstappen’s continued dominance in Formula 1.
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