Max Verstappen will have a slightly fresh start to his Italian Grand Prix weekend at Monza, but Red Bull fans need not fear that the Dutchman will be absent from FP1.
Max Verstappen is not missing the Italian Grand Prix. He is just being replaced for FP1, with Ayumu Iwasa replacing him in his Red Bull RB22 during the first practice session. Verstappen will be back for FP2 and the rest of the Monza weekend.
Who Is Replacing Max Verstappen At Monza?
Ayumu Iwasa has been chosen to replace Verstappen for FP1 at the Temple of Speed. The 25-year-old Japanese driver is one of Red Bull’s reserve and development drivers and will get an opportunity to drive the team’s 2026 car during the opening session.
The ruling has nothing to do with an injury, illness or suspension for Verstappen. Rather, Red Bull is taking advantage of the session to meet the F1 rookie running rules.
Rookie drivers will be given opportunities to drive in four free practices throughout the season. Friday’s FP1 will be one of those times for Verstappen, as Iwasa will gain experience in the RB22.
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Why Is Max Verstappen Not Racing In FP1?
Verstappen’s absence from FP1 is more of a driver rotation than a competitive setback.
The Dutchman announced in advance that he would be giving his car to Iwasa before he returned for the second practice session. Verstappen will therefore still have time to get ready for qualifying and the race during the rest of the weekend.
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There’s another Red Bull driver change at Monza, but not for Verstappen. Hadjar is still recovering from a wrist injury and will be sidelined again, so Liam Lawson will be back with Verstappen at Red Bull. Yuki Tsunoda will be replacing Lawson in Racing Bulls.
Verstappen is coming into Monza with a chip on his shoulder after his crash at the Dutch Grand Prix. He has asked Red Bull to be realistic about their pace, despite their victory at Monza last season.
