Red Bull have found replacements for Verstappen and Perez in Abu Dhabi

Formula 1 teams must offer at least two first free practice sessions to a rookie every year. This driver must have driven no more than two Grands Prix in F1. At first glance, Liam Lawson was the logical candidate for these tests. However, the Red Bull Racing reserve driver now already has five Grands Prix to his name and, therefore, no longer meets this rule.

Red Bull designates 'rookies'

Isack Hadjar was already put forward as AlphaTauri and Red Bull Racing's new reserve driver when Lawson was due in action, so it is no surprise that the Frenchman has been designated as one of the drivers who will make an appearance in FP1 in Abu Dhabi. Hadjar is part of the Red Bull line-up but has yet to make much of an impression with a 14th place in the F2 championship this year.

For testing, unlike a role as a reserve driver, it is not compulsory to have a super licence. You need 25 points, so it is noteworthy that Ayumu Iwasa, Enzo Fittipaldi, Dennis Hauger, Zane Maloney and Jak Crawford will not get the chance. All part of Red Bull's training, and all ranked higher in F2 than Hadjar. Hadjar will not only get the test at Red Bull but will also be in action in Mexico on behalf of AlphaTauri.

Red Bull are also opting to hand over both mandatory sessions in Abu Dhabi. Most teams spread that over several weekends, but Red Bull does it in Abu Dhabi. Alongside Hadjar, surprisingly, Formula E champion Jake Dennis will take a seat. At 28 and with an FE title behind his name, Dennis is not exactly inexperienced, but Red Bull's simulator driver will get a reward for his good season.

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