Max Verstappen will miss the opening practice session of the 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix after Red Bull decided to hand his RB22 to Japanese driver Ayumu Iwasa. Although the announcement may initially sound like a setback for the four-time world champion, the decision is part of Formula 1’s mandatory rookie-running requirements rather than a sign of a problem with Verstappen or his car.
According to GPblog, Verstappen will sit out Friday’s first practice session at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, with Iwasa taking his place. The Japanese driver has already gained experience in Formula 1 machinery this season, having participated in practice sessions for Red Bull in Barcelona and Monza, as well as Racing Bulls in Austria.
The timing is significant because the Mexican Grand Prix weekend will give teams limited opportunities to prepare for qualifying and Sunday’s race. Verstappen will therefore have one fewer session to assess the circuit, evaluate the car’s balance and help engineers refine the setup before returning to the cockpit for FP2.
WHY VERSTAPPEN MUST GIVE UP HIS RED BULL SEAT
Formula 1 teams are required to provide rookie drivers with opportunities to participate in first practice sessions during the season. Under the rules cited in the report, each full-time driver must surrender their car twice during FP1 to a rookie.
Verstappen has already completed one of those outings by sitting out the opening practice session at the Italian Grand Prix in September. His appearance on the sidelines in Mexico will fulfil his second requirement, allowing him to participate in the remaining first practice sessions of the 2026 campaign.
For Red Bull, the decision also provides valuable track time for Iwasa, who can gain experience at one of the calendar’s most technically demanding venues. The opportunity allows the team to evaluate a developing driver while meeting its regulatory obligations.
However, the rookie session will also require careful planning. Red Bull must ensure Iwasa collects useful data while preparing Verstappen to return to the car later on Friday. Every lap matters when teams are working to understand tyre behaviour, aerodynamic performance and braking under the conditions at Mexico City.
FOUR DRIVERS SET TO MISS FIRST PRACTICE IN MEXICO
Verstappen will not be the only established driver missing from FP1. GPblog reports that several teams will also give rookie or reserve drivers valuable running time in Mexico. <Cite refs={[“turn119143search0″,”turn119143search4”]}/>
– Red Bull: Ayumu Iwasa replaces Max Verstappen.
– Mercedes: Frederik Vesti takes George Russell’s W17.
– McLaren: Leonardo Fornaroli replaces Oscar Piastri.
– Williams: Luke Browning takes Alex Albon’s seat.
These outings give teams an opportunity to assess emerging talent while fulfilling their rookie-running obligations. For the young drivers, even a single practice session can be valuable experience in a modern F1 car.
WILL MISSING FP1 AFFECT VERSTAPPEN’S MEXICO GP CHANCES?
Verstappen will lose some initial track time, but his absence from FP1 should not automatically be interpreted as a major disadvantage. He is scheduled to return for second practice, giving him further opportunities to evaluate the RB22 before Saturday’s qualifying session.
Mexico City presents a distinctive challenge because the circuit sits at high altitude. The thinner air affects aerodynamic downforce and cooling, placing particular emphasis on finding the right balance between cornering performance and straight-line speed. <Cite refs={[“turn119143search1″,”turn119143search10”]}/>
Verstappen’s experience at the circuit could help him adapt quickly once he returns to the car. Nevertheless, Red Bull will need to make effective use of the data collected by Iwasa to ensure the missed session does not complicate its preparation.
The bigger championship storyline is also unfolding around him. With Kimi Antonelli leading the standings, Verstappen faces a difficult task if he hopes to close the gap in the remaining rounds. His temporary absence from FP1 is mandatory, not voluntary, but the weekend will still be an important test of Red Bull’s ability to challenge Mercedes and Ferrari.
The key question is whether Verstappen can quickly find his rhythm when he returns for FP2 and put himself in contention for a strong qualifying position.
