Verstappen Sits Out FP1 but Ready for Monza Weekend
Max Verstappen will start his Italian Grand Prix weekend from the garage rather than the cockpit, but any fears of a shock absence at Monza can be parked immediately. The reigning world champion is missing only one session – Friday’s FP1 – and only by design.
Red Bull has handed his RB22 to Ayumu Iwasa for the opening practice run at the Temple of Speed, fulfilling Formula 1’s rookie running requirements. Verstappen will be back in the car for FP2 and will contest qualifying and the race as normal.
Iwasa’s Shot in the RB22
For Iwasa, this is a rare and valuable window. The 25-year-old Japanese driver, part of Red Bull’s reserve and development roster, has been selected to take the first laps of the weekend in the team’s 2026-spec machinery during FP1.
This is not a reaction to injury, illness, or any form of sanction for Verstappen. Red Bull is simply using one of its mandatory rookie outings. Across the season, teams must give emerging drivers four free-practice opportunities, and Monza’s opening session has been earmarked as one of Verstappen’s turn to step aside.
The move is a rotation, not a demotion. Verstappen’s plan was made clear in advance: step out for FP1, hand the car to Iwasa, then return for FP2 and the rest of the weekend with ample time to dial in the setup for qualifying and Sunday’s Grand Prix.
Red Bull Shuffle Continues
There is more movement in the Red Bull camp at Monza, though again not involving Verstappen’s race seat.
Hadjar remains sidelined as he continues to recover from a wrist injury, which opens the door once more for Liam Lawson to return alongside Verstappen at Red Bull. That, in turn, triggers another switch: Yuki Tsunoda will step in for Lawson at Racing Bulls.
The reshuffle underlines how Red Bull is juggling its commitments to both its senior team and its wider driver pool, using Monza’s Friday to give mileage to its next wave of talent while keeping its race lineup intact for the business end of the weekend.
Verstappen Arrives with a Point to Prove
Verstappen comes into Italy with an edge. His crash at the Dutch Grand Prix still lingers, and the Dutchman has pushed Red Bull to stay grounded about their true pace, even with last year’s Monza victory in the bank.
He will have less track time than usual by skipping FP1, but not enough to blunt his preparation. Once FP2 begins, the familiar picture returns: Verstappen back in the RB22, hunting rhythm, chasing balance, and trying to turn a bruising home race into fuel for another charge at the Temple of Speed.
Monza will give Iwasa a taste of the future and Red Bull a tick in the rookie box. What Verstappen does with the rest of the weekend will say far more about where this season is really heading.
