Daniel Ricciardo will watch the first practice for the Japanese Grand Prix from the sidelines as another driver takes over his RB car.
Red Bull motorsport consultant Helmut Marko confirmed that Daniel Ricciardo will not take part in the first free practice at Suzuka, with the RB team fielding an all-Japanese line-up for the hour-long session.
Daniel Ricciardo to miss Suzuka FP1
Ricciardo will hand over the VCARB01 to Ayumu Iwasa during the first practice session at Suzuka, and Iwasa will be riding alongside compatriot Hiroki Tsunoda.
The reason for this is to fulfill one of the two mandatory practice sessions that must be given to junior drivers, defined as drivers who have made two or fewer Grand Prix starts.
Teams typically choose to implement this rule requirement later in the season, but Red Bull's strong Honda connections often allow Japanese rookies to be given a chance to shine in front of their home crowd.
With Suzuka scheduled for the start of the season, Red Bull has turned its attention to Ayumu Iwasa, who tested for the former AlphaTauri team in Abu Dhabi at the end of 2023. Iwasa will be competing with Team Mugen in Japan's Super Formula category.
In 2019, Red Bull ran Naoki Yamamoto in the then Toro Rosso seat during the same session in Japan.
Marko revealed in his Speedweek column that he had changed plans for the first practice at Suzuka.
“On Friday, we will be using young pilot Ayumu Iwasa for practice with the All Japan team,” he said.
“Furthermore, the Suzuka Circuit should suit the Racing Bulls car.”
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The timing of Ricciardo's absence in place of Iwasa was unfortunate for the Australian driver, coming just as rumors about his future emerged and pressure was mounting on him.
Ricciardo's 2024 season has had a tough start, but Red Bull's Helmut Marko has urged him to find more performance as Tsunoda has started the year well.
According to reports in New Zealand, Liam Lawson's chance to sit in Ricciardo's seat could come very soon, perhaps even around the time of the Miami Grand Prix.
of herald Ricciardo suggested he had received an ultimatum from Marko that Lawson could be given the car for the remainder of the season if immediate improvements were not made.
However, PlanetF1.com understands that suggestions that Ricciardo is at risk of losing his seat anytime soon are premature. Although the Australian driver has been given short notice instructions, there is no intention to replace him in the seat.
Lawson's own management also said Lawson had not been informed by Red Bull of any such move, and the Kiwi driver has not been in contact with the media or commented on a possible move to Ricciardo's seat. He said no.
However, Lawson remains hopeful of a full-time seat as a reserve driver.
Rumors of a move in time for Miami have been quashed, but that doesn't rule out the possibility of such a sensational switch as the year progresses. Lawson only missed out on the RB team by a narrow margin, and is praised by Marco, who is known for it.
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