Red Bull junior Isawa to replace Verstappen in Bahrain FP1

Red Bull junior Ayumu Isawa Ayumu Iwasa has joined Formula 1’s flurry of rookie drivers announced for this week's opening practice session at the Bahrain Grand Prix.

The 23-year-old Japanese driver will replace Max Verstappen in Friday’s FP1, adding to the excitement of a day dedicated to showcasing young talent.

F1’s rule requiring teams to field rookies – drivers with two or fewer Grand Prix starts – in at least four FP1 sessions over the course of the season has sparked a wave of fresh faces.

Iwasa will be joined by Dino Beganovic (Ferrari), Fred Vesti (Mercedes), Felipe Drugovich (Aston Martin), Luke Browning (Haas) and countryman Ryo Hirakawa (Haas).

A Swift Ascent

After moving from the FIA Formula 2 Championship to Japan’s Super Formula in 2024, Iwasa now leads the highly competitive series after two rounds in 2025.

His prior FP1 outings with Racing Bulls in Japan and Abu Dhabi last year, alongside a solid performance in the post-season Abu Dhabi test, have paved the way for his debut this week in Red Bull’s RB21—the machine that triumphed at Suzuka last weekend with Verstappen.

Honda Racing Corporation President Koji Watanabe voiced his enthusiasm for Iwasa's third chance to demonstrate his skills among motorsport's elite.

“We hope that Iwasa will make the most of this valuable opportunity to drive the car that won the latest Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix, turning these 60 minutes into a stepping stone for the future," he said.

For Iwasa, part of the Honda Formula Dream Project, this session is a critical audition. Even with Honda’s exit looming, a standout performance – paired with his Super Formula title bid – could position him as a candidate for a seat in F1 in 2026.

Iwasa’s emergence bolsters the sport’s vibrant rookie renaissance, promising a bright future.

Read also: Williams' Browning joins rookie frenzy in Bahrain FP1

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.