JUST IN: Red Bull Announce Max Verstappen Replacement for Italian GP — Shock Change Confirmed at… See details 👇

🚨 JUST IN: Red Bull Announce Max Verstappen Replacement for Italian GP — Shock Change Confirmed at Monza

Red Bull have confirmed a driver change involving Max Verstappen ahead of this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix at Monza, but Verstappen has not been dropped or replaced for the race itself.

The change concerns Friday’s opening free-practice session, where Red Bull will hand Verstappen’s RB22 to reserve driver Ayumu Iwasa as part of Formula 1’s mandatory rookie-running programme. Verstappen is expected to return to the car for the remainder of the weekend. �

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🔴 Iwasa gets his big opportunity

Iwasa, a 24-year-old Japanese driver from Red Bull’s junior programme, will take over Verstappen’s car for FP1 at the high-speed Monza circuit. It will be another important opportunity for the youngster to demonstrate his potential in a current F1 machine.

The move is part of the FIA requirement for teams to give young drivers opportunities during practice sessions. Red Bull had already used Iwasa in previous sessions this season, making his Monza appearance another step in his development. �

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⚠️ But there is another Red Bull replacement

There is also a separate driver change that will affect the actual Italian Grand Prix weekend.

Isack Hadjar remains sidelined while recovering from a wrist injury suffered during the summer break. Red Bull have therefore confirmed that Liam Lawson will once again race alongside Verstappen, after finishing seventh at the Dutch Grand Prix in his previous substitute appearance. �

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Yuki Tsunoda will consequently return to Racing Bulls, taking Lawson’s usual seat alongside rookie Arvid Lindblad. �

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🏁 Verstappen remains Red Bull’s race driver

For fans concerned that the headline means Verstappen has lost his Red Bull seat, that is not what has happened.

The confirmed arrangement is:

FP1: Ayumu Iwasa drives Verstappen’s Red Bull.

FP2 onward: Verstappen returns to his RB22.

Italian GP race: Verstappen remains Red Bull’s lead driver.

Liam Lawson: continues as Verstappen’s teammate because Hadjar is still injured. �

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Monza could nevertheless be a fascinating weekend for Red Bull. Verstappen arrives after his difficult Dutch Grand Prix, while Lawson gets another opportunity to prove that his strong substitute performance at Zandvoort was more than a one-off.

The big story is therefore not Verstappen being replaced permanently — it is Red Bull temporarily handing his car to Iwasa for FP1 while Lawson continues as his teammate in the race. �

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