A Defining Moment for Ayumu Iwasa
The motorsport world is buzzing — Ayumu Iwasa, the rising star from Japan, is set to replace the reigning World Champion Max Verstappen during the Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix’s FP1 session for Red Bull. This isn’t just a driver swap for practice; it’s a symbolic changing of the guard, a rare opportunity that could shape the trajectory of Iwasa’s racing career forever.
While Verstappen takes a back seat for this session, Iwasa finds himself in the spotlight, stepping into one of the most dominant F1 machines on the grid. But why has Red Bull made this move, and what does it mean for Iwasa’s future in Formula 1?
What Led Ayumu Iwasa to This Career-Defining Moment?
Ayumu Iwasa didn’t just appear out of nowhere. His motorsport journey has been paved with consistency, talent, and an ever-deepening relationship with Red Bull and Honda. He climbed through the junior formulas, showing immense skill in FIA Formula 2 and now in Super Formula, where he’s been nothing short of spectacular.
Iwasa’s impressive performances in Japan and Abu Dhabi FP1 sessions last year with Racing Bulls already hinted that Red Bull had bigger plans. Now, this Bahrain opportunity proves they’re serious.
Who Is Ayumu Iwasa?
Let’s break it down. Ayumu Iwasa is a 23-year-old Japanese racing prodigy, currently racing in Japan’s Super Formula series. He is a prominent graduate of the Red Bull Junior Team, and a key asset in Honda’s Formula Dream Project.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Japanese |
| Age | 23 |
| Current Series | Super Formula |
| Affiliations | Red Bull, Honda |
| Notable Milestones | FIA Formula 2 Wins, Racing Bulls FP1 sessions |
Ayumu Iwasa’s Rise Through the Red Bull Junior Program
Red Bull’s junior driver program is known for being both demanding and prestigious. Many current F1 stars, including Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen himself, emerged from it. Ayumu Iwasa’s inclusion in this elite group speaks volumes.
Iwasa’s transition from Formula 3 to F2, and now to Super Formula, showcases his versatility. His continued development, under Honda’s watchful eye and Red Bull’s guidance, has created the perfect storm for this FP1 opportunity.
Super Formula: The Perfect Training Ground
Why did Red Bull place Iwasa in Super Formula? Because it’s arguably the next-best thing to Formula 1. The cars are fast, the competition is fierce, and the technical feedback expected from drivers is intense.
And guess what? Iwasa isn’t just participating — he’s leading the 2025 Super Formula championship after just two rounds. That’s the kind of form that gets noticed at the top.
What Makes Ayumu Iwasa Special Behind the Wheel?
His ability to adapt. His raw pace. His mental toughness. These are the traits that stand out. In both qualifying sessions and race conditions, Iwasa has consistently shown he can deliver.
He’s not just quick — he’s strategic, a trait Red Bull values deeply in their race strategy-heavy approach. His ability to understand tire management, racecraft, and data feedback has made him a standout even among top-tier talent.
FP1 in Bahrain: More Than Just a Practice Session
This isn’t your average Friday Practice Session. For Ayumu Iwasa, it’s a 60-minute audition in front of the entire Formula 1 world. Every lap he completes, every radio call he answers, and every sector time he logs will be analyzed — not just by Red Bull, but by every team on the grid.
Expect him to showcase controlled aggression, precision, and above all, the maturity Red Bull wants from its drivers.
Red Bull’s Faith in Iwasa: Strategic or Symbolic?
Some see this as a symbolic move — a nod to Honda, Red Bull’s outgoing engine partner. But there’s more to it.
Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s senior advisor, recently confirmed that Iwasa and Isack Hadjar are top prospects in the pipeline. Giving Iwasa this chance speaks volumes about Red Bull’s long-term considerations, especially with potential shifts in team dynamics as Honda departs.
“We have other strong drivers in the junior team, such as Ayumu Iwasa and Isack Hadjar… After that, we’ll see what happens.” — Helmut Marko, via Speedweek
Ayumu Iwasa to Replace Max Verstappen in Bahrain FP1 Session for Red Bull
Yes, you read that right. Max Verstappen, the reigning World Champion, is stepping aside — temporarily — so Ayumu Iwasa can take the wheel of the Red Bull RB20 in FP1 at the Bahrain International Circuit.
It’s a bold move, no doubt. But one that sends a clear message: Red Bull is grooming their next big thing, and Iwasa may just be it.
Why Bahrain? The Significance of This Track
Bahrain isn’t just any track — it’s one of the most technically demanding circuits on the calendar. From high-speed straights to low-speed corners, it demands complete driver mastery.
Giving Iwasa this opportunity here shows the level of confidence the team has in him. It’s not a test session in a rain-soaked Hungary — it’s Bahrain, under the lights, on a Grand Prix weekend.
What Does This Mean for Max Verstappen?
Don’t worry — Max Verstappen isn’t going anywhere. This isn’t a replacement in the competitive sense; it’s simply fulfilling the FIA’s rookie driver requirement for practice sessions. Still, choosing who gets that seat matters.
And this year, Red Bull picked Ayumu Iwasa.
Honda’s Influence Behind the Scenes
Honda Racing Corporation President Koji Watanabe expressed immense pride in Iwasa’s progress, stating:
“We hope that Iwasa will make the most of this valuable opportunity… turning these 60 minutes into a stepping stone for the future.”
As Honda prepares to part ways with Red Bull at the end of the season, this could be a symbolic gesture — but one with serious implications for Iwasa’s career path.
Could This Be Iwasa’s Launchpad to a Full-Time F1 Seat?
Absolutely. If he impresses, it puts him firmly in the mix for a Racing Bulls or even Red Bull seat in the future. Formula 1 is all about timing, and Ayumu Iwasa’s couldn’t be better.
Pressure on Other Junior Drivers?
With Isack Hadjar also in contention, and Jack Doohan feeling the heat from Franco Colapinto at Alpine, competition is fierce. Iwasa knows he needs to shine — not just participate.
What Will Red Bull Be Watching For?
-
Consistency across stints
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Smooth communication with engineers
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Adaptability to setup changes
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Sector times in comparison to Sergio Pérez
If Iwasa can impress in all four, his chances of earning more F1 seat time skyrocket.
How Fans Are Reacting to the Iwasa-Verstappen Swap
Social media is already ablaze. Japanese motorsport fans are thrilled, seeing this as a historic moment for the country. Meanwhile, Red Bull fans are curious — could this be the next Verstappen in the making?
FAQ: Ayumu Iwasa and the Red Bull FP1 Opportunity
1. Who is Ayumu Iwasa?
A Japanese racing driver and member of the Red Bull Junior Program, currently leading the 2025 Super Formula championship.
2. Why is Max Verstappen being replaced in FP1?
To fulfill the FIA’s rookie driver requirement, Red Bull has chosen Ayumu Iwasa to drive during the FP1 session in Bahrain.
3. What is FP1 in F1?
FP1 (Free Practice 1) is the first practice session of a Grand Prix weekend, used for data gathering and performance testing.
4. Has Iwasa driven an F1 car before?
Yes, he previously participated in FP1 sessions in Japan and Abu Dhabi with Racing Bulls.
5. What is the significance of this test for Iwasa’s future?
It could open doors to a full-time F1 seat, especially with Honda’s ongoing interest and Red Bull’s long-term planning.
6. How did Honda react to Iwasa’s selection?
Positively. Honda Racing Corporation’s president expressed excitement and pride over Iwasa’s growing career opportunities.
Conclusion: A Moment of Truth for Ayumu Iwasa
The stage is set. The lights in Bahrain will shine brighter than ever — not for Max Verstappen this time, but for Ayumu Iwasa, a young man on the brink of fulfilling a lifelong dream.
Whether this FP1 session turns into something more permanent remains to be seen. But one thing is certain — Iwasa has earned this moment, and the whole world will be watching.
Stay tuned. This could be the beginning of something extraordinary.
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