Max Verstappen to be replaced by Red Bull for Abu Dhabi GP session because of little-known F1 rule
Max Verstappen will be replaced by Red Bull for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, according to a report.
Verstappen won last weekend's Qatar Grand Prix, having won the 2024 Formula 1 championship following his title-clinching result at the Las Vegas Grand Prix last month.
And ahead of this weekend's race in Abu Dhabi, the new four-time F1 winner will be replaced in practice.
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According to RacingNews365, Red Bull will replace Verstappen with Isack Hadjar in practice for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The Dutchman must hand over his RB20 to F2 title-contender Hadjar to fulfil the requirement of a rookie driving his car in an FP1 session.
The 27-year-old's teammate Sergio Perez handed his car over to Hadjar, 20, at the British Grand Prix.
Given the Qatar Grand Prix was a sprint event, it meant that the final option to meet the regulations was in Abu Dhabi.
Hadjar joined Red Bull's development programme almost three years ago, having enjoyed a successful karting career.
The French-Algerian's driving has impressed Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, who admitted that 'there's a chance' the youngster could be promoted to F1 with the brand next year.
"It’s good to see both Isack [in F2] and Arvid Lindblad win the Formula 3 race. Two outstanding talents that are coming through," he told F1's official website.
"So, again, he’s making a strong case for himself next year, which is why we’re not in any rush to finalise seats in the sister team."
Pressed on whether that means a chance of Hadjar appearing on the grid in the near future, Horner replied: "There always a chance."
Reflecting on his outing at Silverstone earlier this year, Hadjar said: "It was unbelievable. It honestly felt like the first time in the car again and the braking and the high speed in the RB20 are just on another level.
"My last FP1 was in Abu Dhabi, and it was quite limited mileage, so it was unbelievable to drive around this iconic and fast track here at Silverstone.
"It’s been a while since I’ve been in this car, but it is always great to be back with the team and to know the procedures."
Topics: Formula 1, Max Verstappen
Nasir Jabbar