Max Verstappen REPLACED at Abu Dhabi GP after Red Bull…read more
Red Bull Racing has announced that Isack Hadjar, a rookie from their junior driver program, will take over Max Verstappen’s car for the first practice session (FP1) at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. This marks the final race weekend of the 2024 Formula One season and fulfills the sport’s regulation requiring teams to give young drivers a chance to participate in at least one FP1 session during the year. With no other opportunities left in the season, Red Bull chose Abu Dhabi as the event for Hadjar to gain track experience.
Hadjar is no stranger to Formula One FP1 sessions, having previously driven for Red Bull in the British Grand Prix earlier this year, where he replaced Verstappen’s teammate, Sergio Perez. This time, Verstappen will step aside, meeting the requirement for the first time this season. Red Bull’s decision coincides with the championship already being decided, allowing the team to prioritize development without compromising their competitive edge.
Verstappen recently secured his fourth consecutive World Drivers’ Championship at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, clinching the title with a fifth-place finish. Despite facing mid-season pressure from McLaren’s Lando Norris, who briefly narrowed the points gap, Verstappen regained his dominant form in the latter half of the season. Heading into the final two races, the Dutchman holds an unassailable 63-point lead, rendering the remaining events more about preparation and compliance than competition.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, set to take place on December 8 at the Yas Marina Circuit, offers Red Bull the perfect platform to evaluate Hadjar’s skills further. The young driver is highly regarded within the team’s development system, and this session will be crucial for his growth and potential future opportunities in Formula One.
For Verstappen, the remaining races, including this weekend’s sprint format event in Qatar, present a chance to cap off another historic season. The 27-year-old has cemented his place among the sport’s greats with a commanding performance throughout 2024, despite moments of challenge.
As teams prepare for the 2025 season, the final rounds of this year’s championship will serve as testing grounds for strategies, car setups, and meeting regulatory obligations. For Red Bull, allowing Hadjar this FP1 opportunity reflects their commitment to nurturing young talent while celebrating yet another dominant campaign.
