F1
Bahrain Grand Prix sees six F1 drivers replaced including George Russell
Max Verstappen is among a host of high-profile F1 drivers who will skip FP1 at the Bahrain Grand Prix on Friday, with multiple teams announcing switches. A host of rookie drivers will take to the track at the start of race weekend, including Red Bull junior Ayumu Iwasa, who is set to make his debut to afford Verstappen a rest.
The Japanese 23-year-old has previously represented Racing Bulls, featuring in FP1 ahead of last season’s Japanese Grand Prix and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. George Russell will also sit out of FP1 in Bahrain, with Mercedes reserve Frederik Vesti primed to pause his IMSA series preparations to take his place. Charles Leclerc won’t be involved either, letting Ferrari junior driver Dino Beganovic receive a taste of F1 machinery.
