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Iwasa expected to take Verstappen’s Red Bull for Mexico City FP1

Archive photograph: Max Verstappen · 2024-08-25Archive photo · 2024-08-25 · Steffen Prößdorf · CC BY-SA 4.0

Ayumu Iwasa is expected to drive Max Verstappen’s Red Bull in first practice at the Mexico City Grand Prix, although RacingNews365 says it is not confirmed that Verstappen will be the driver sitting out.

GPBeat · Newsroom27 Oct 2026, 16:14 · 1 min

Max Verstappen is expected to hand his Red Bull to Ayumu Iwasa for first practice at the Mexico City Grand Prix. RacingNews365 says it is not yet confirmed whether Verstappen will be the driver to sit out.

Isack Hadjar is expected to complete the full three-hour practice programme in the sister RB22. Iwasa has already driven for Red Bull in two FP1 sessions this season, one in each regular driver’s car. The report says Verstappen and Hadjar each still need to miss one more session to meet the FIA’s rookie-session requirements.

If the Mexico plan goes ahead, it would be Iwasa’s fourth FP1 appearance of 2026. He also deputised for Racing Bulls in first practice at the Austrian Grand Prix.

Sources 01
  1. SOURCEMax Verstappen likely to surrender his Red Bull for F1 practice in MexicoRacingNews365 English

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