Red Bull has confirmed to RacingNews365 that Isack Hadjar is to replace Max Verstappen in practice for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix next weekend.
The new four-time world champion must hand over his RB20 to F2 title-contender Hadjar to fulfil the requirement of a rookie driving his car in an FP1 session.
READ MORE: Red Bull confirm Verstappen to miss upcoming practice session as replacement named
FIA make major track changes to avoid Qatar GP repeat
The FIA, in consultation with Pirelli, has made modifications to the Qatar Grand Prix circuit to avoid the tyre dramas of the 2023 race.
Owing to the shape of the kerbs through the ultra-fast sections of track at Lusail, the structural integrity of the tyres could not be maintained throughout normal stint lengths, with the FIA imposing a maximum lifespan of 18 laps per set of tyres - meaning if a driver had used a set of tyres for four laps earlier in the weekend, it could only be used for 14 laps in the race.
READ MORE: FIA make major track changes to avoid Qatar GP repeat
Exclusive: Verstappen's manager sends Red Bull subtle hints over F1 future
Max Verstappen's manager Raymond Vermeulen has warned Red Bull it must deliver the new four-time world champion a "competitive package" after its 2024 slump.
Despite an alarming drop in the competitiveness of the RB20 mid-season, Verstappen was able to keep hauling results and keep nearest rival Lando Norris at arms length in the title race - eventually securing his fourth crown with a fifth-place finish at the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
READ MORE: Exclusive: Verstappen's manager sends Red Bull subtle hints over F1 future
Schumacher touted for Cadillac F1 seat as driver fight begins
Ralf Schumacher has not ruled out the possibility of nephew Mick returning to the F1 grid with Cadillac in 2026.
It was announced on Monday 25th November that a Cadillac-General Motors works entry had been provisionally accepted by F1 for 2026, expanding the grid to 11 teams and 22 drivers.
READ MORE: Schumacher touted for Cadillac F1 seat as driver fight begins
Bottas 'thankful' to Mercedes for F1 lifeline
Valtteri Bottas is "thankful" to Mercedes for providing him with a "solid option" of an F1 lifeline following his Stake axe.
Bottas will not be on the 2025 grid after Stake opted to sign Gabriel Bortoleto to partner Nico Hulkenberg, meaning the Finn is set to be without a race seat for the first time since making his debut in 2013.
Iconic F1 track secures future with new multi-year deal
F1 has confirmed it has reached an agreement with the Monza Circuit to keep it on the calendar for several more years.
The track, which has long been the host of the Italian Grand Prix, was to have its previous contract expire at the end of next year.
READ MORE: Iconic F1 track secures future with new multi-year deal
Also interesting:
Join RacingNews365's Ian Parkes, Sam Coop and Nick Golding, as they dissect the Las Vegas GP and look ahead to Qatar! Max Verstappen's title success was a main talking point, as was the mounting pressure on McLaren in the F1 constructors' title fight.
Rather watch the podcast? Then click here!
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