F1 News

Iwasa replaces Ricciardo during VT1 in Japan

This is why Daniel Ricciardo will not drive in FP1 for the Japanese GP

25 March at 15:37
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  • Matt Gretton
  • Editor-in-Chief

Helmut Marko told Speedweek.com that Daniel Ricciardo will miss FP1 in Japan. Visa Cash App RB will have a rookie complete the first practice session of the weekend for the first time this season. With this, something special is going to happen in Suzuka.

Last year, the team with Liam Lawson, who replaced Daniel Ricciardo at the time, finished just outside the points. The New Zealander finished 11th. Yuki Tsunoda, driving his home Grand Prix for the third time this year, came no further than 12th place.

Every Formula 1 team must run a rookie in the car at least twice during the first free practice session. Visa Cash App RB have opted to do so before the fourth Grand Prix of the season, making them the first team to let a rookie drive in 2024.

Ricciardo replaced by Iwasa

That is not the only special thing about letting a rookie drive in Japan. Ayumu Iwasa will be replacing Ricciardo for FP1. With this, Visa Cash App RB will have two Japanese home drivers for the day at Suzuka.