Max Verstappen
Max Verstappen will step aside for rookie driver Isack Hadjar during practice at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the final weekend of the Formula One season. This fulfills the rule requiring all drivers to allow a rookie to participate in at least one FP1 session. Abu Dhabi marks the last chance for Red Bull to comply with this mandate.
Sergio Perez previously ceded his seat to Hadjar at the British Grand Prix earlier in the season. Verstappen, aiming to solidify his legacy with four consecutive titles, had not done so until now.
The Dutchman clinched the 2024 World Drivers’ Championship after finishing fifth at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Despite a strong mid-season challenge from Lando Norris, McLaren’s star saw his form falter in recent races, enabling Verstappen to secure the title with an unassailable 63-point lead. With just two races remaining, the Qatar Grand Prix this weekend and the Abu Dhabi finale on December 8, Verstappen’s dominance remains unchallenged.
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As Qatar hosts a sprint event, Abu Dhabi becomes Red Bull’s last chance to field Hadjar in Verstappen’s car. Reports confirm the 27-year-old champion will step aside for FP1. Last year, simulator driver Jake Dennis took Verstappen’s place but is unavailable this time due to his Formula E commitments in Brazil.
Hadjar, a 20-year-old of French-Algerian descent, has achieved five wins in 44 Formula Two starts and is regarded as a rising talent.
Verstappen overcame a mid-season dip to reclaim control and win the 2024 championship. Despite voicing frustrations about Red Bull’s car, he demonstrated his dominance, extending his lead over rivals.
Max Verstappen
Max Verstappen celebrated his fourth consecutive title in Las Vegas.
Responding to McLaren boss Zak Brown’s earlier claims that Verstappen’s success depends on having the best car, the Dutchman argued he could have won the title even in a McLaren, possibly earlier than he did with Red Bull.
Speaking to De Telegraaf, Verstappen said: “Criticism motivates me. If people think I only win with the best car, I prove otherwise. If this isn’t enough to earn credit, I don’t know what is. Would I have been champion in the McLaren? Yes
, and much earlier.”