The Bahrain Grand Prix weekend is off to an unusual start with six F1 drivers—including reigning World Champion Max Verstappen—skipping Friday’s FP1 session to make way for rookie appearances. Among the reshuffled grid, George Russell raised eyebrows with a cheeky jab aimed at Red Bull, echoing their strategy with a twist of his own.
Verstappen, who will be replaced by Red Bull junior Ayumu Iwasa in FP1, addressed the decision, emphasizing that the absence is part of Red Bull’s broader development strategy. Despite his recent win in Japan, the Dutchman admitted the team still has significant work to do.
“I don’t think [I’ll be consistently winning], but honestly, like I said, we take it. It was very hard to pass around here,” Verstappen said. “Bahrain – completely different track, very tough on tyres, tyres overheating as well. We still have work to do. Hopefully, we keep on improving the car, with the through corner balance, and then hopefully, it unlocks also just in general a bit more pace.”
Joining Verstappen on the sidelines for FP1 is George Russell, who will be replaced by Mercedes reserve Frederik Vesti. Russell took the opportunity to poke fun at Red Bull’s move, saying with a smile: “If Max gets a break, I want one too. Maybe next time I’ll get Ayumu to drive the simulator for me as well.”
The move from Mercedes mirrors the one by Red Bull and adds to a trend where teams are rapidly adapting to the new 2025 regulation requiring four rookie FP1 sessions per season. Ferrari, Aston Martin, Haas, and Alpine also joined the shuffle this weekend, fielding their junior and reserve drivers in place of big names like Charles Leclerc, Fernando Alonso, and Carlos Sainz.
Despite missing track time on Friday, Verstappen remains focused on the bigger picture. “We just keep working hard and see where we can be at in Bahrain already,” he said.
While the FP1 rookies are set to take the spotlight on Friday, the veterans will return with full force for qualifying and Sunday’s race—Verstappen included, and gunning for back-to-back wins in a season that’s already proving full of surprises.