Max Verstappen Sidelined as Red Bull Names Replacement for Monza FP1

Max Verstappen will sit out FP1 at Monza, with Red Bull confirming Ayumu Iwasa will take the RB22 for the Italian Grand Prix’s opening session.

The move continues Red Bull’s rookie programme and satisfies regulatory rookie running, while maintaining Verstappen’s focus on core setup work from FP2 onwards.

This is Iwasa’s third FP1 of 2026, following outings in Spain and Austria. He logged 21 laps for 14th in Barcelona, then finished 15th at the Red Bull Ring after 19 laps in the VCARB 03.

Iwasa’s FP1 pedigree stretches back to 2024, when he debuted at Suzuka for Daniel Ricciardo, forming an all-Japanese practice lineup with Yuki Tsunoda.

He added Abu Dhabi that year, then sampled Verstappen’s car for the first time in Bahrain 2025, before further mileage in Mexico City. At 24, he continues to build versatile experience.

Monza’s low-downforce demands make FP1 valuable for correlation work, with aero efficiency and drag-level checks shaping run plans. Tyre behavior remains central, as outlined in the Italian Grand Prix tyre preview.

Liam Lawson stays in the second Red Bull for the weekend. Drafted in after Isack Hadjar’s wrist injury, Lawson impressed at Zandvoort with P8 in qualifying and P7 in the race.

Hadjar remains sidelined as recovery continues. Across the grid, teams are expected to rotate rookies in FP1, with Alpine also preparing mileage for prospects such as Paul Aron at Monza.

For Red Bull, Iwasa’s feedback offers useful validation of simulator work, while Verstappen’s absence in FP1 has minimal downside given Monza’s repeatable test items and clear setup direction.

Verstappen resumes from FP2, with qualifying preparation prioritizing straight-line efficiency and braking stability. Off-track dynamics also linger, including the champion’s situation referenced in recent contract analysis.

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Daniel Miller

Daniel Miller reports on Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends with race-day analysis, team-radio highlights, and point-standings updates. He explains power-unit upgrades, aerodynamic developments, and driver rivalries in straightforward, SEO-friendly language for a global F1 audience.