Max Verstappen replaced during Abu Dhabi GP practice: Red Bull offers Isack Hadjar an opportunity

Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen will be replaced in Free Practice 1 of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, marking a key moment for young driver Isack Hadjar. The temporary change comes after a remarkable season for Verstappen, who secured his fourth title at the Las Vegas GP. Despite a difficult year for Red Bull, Verstappen has been able to exploit the full potential of his RB20 in the face of stiffer competition from McLaren and Lando Norris.

However, it has been a much less successful season for teammate Sergio Perez, who has failed to secure a podium finish since the Chinese Grand Prix and has only picked up eight points from the last four races. Those disappointing results have rekindled speculation over his future at Red Bull, with rumours persisting that rising star Liam Lawson could be promoted.

In this context, Red Bull has decided to give a chance to Isack Hadjar, who will replace Verstappen in free practice 1 at Yas Marina. This choice is part of the regulatory obligation imposed on all teams to allow a junior driver to participate in two free practice sessions each season.

Hadjar, who currently sits second in the Formula 2 drivers’ standings, just 4.5 points behind rival Gabriel Bortoleto, had already had the opportunity to test for Red Bull earlier in the year at Silverstone, where he replaced Perez. This weekend will be crucial for the young French driver, who will also contest the F2 championship finale in Lusail in the hope of clinching the title.

Red Bull’s decision to bring Hadjar into the cockpit of a Formula 1 car for this session highlights the importance of the team’s junior program. This opportunity will allow the Frenchman to demonstrate his abilities at the highest level and solidify his status as a potential future regular driver.

While Verstappen can relax after sealing his world title, the move shows that Red Bull are continuing to plan for the future while assessing their promising talent. For Hadjar, the test is a major step in his progression and a chance to prove that he can be a valuable asset to the team in the coming seasons.