Lewis Hamilton to drive alongside new Ferrari teammate in Bahrain as Max Verstappen absent due to little-known F1 rule
Ferrari and Red Bull are two of six F1 teams that have decided to make changes to their driver line-ups in Bahrain this morning.
Ahead of the Grand Prix on Sunday, some drivers are being replaced for Friday's first practice session due to a little-known rule.
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Lewis Hamilton - who allowed his usually braided hair to be more naturally frizzy upon his return to Bahrain - won't be sitting out of the opening session of the raceweek.
However, his teammate Charles Leclerc will, as rookie Dino Beganovic is taking the second Ferrari seat.
World champion Max Verstappen is going to be absent for FP1 in Bahrain too, with his seat being taken by Ayumu Iwasa.
Mercedes, Williams, Aston Martin and Haas will all also be dropping a driver in place of a rookie for the session.
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It means George Russell, Carlos Sainz, Fernando Alonso, and Oliver Bearman are all not going to be taking part on Friday.
Russell is giving up his seat for Danish youngster Frederik Vesti, while former F2 champion Felipe Drugovich replaces Alonso.
Sainz's seat is going to be taken by Luke Browing and Bearman misses out on the session so Ryo Hirakawa can step in.
This isn't just a coincidence, it's actually the teams following the F1 regulations for the 2025 season.
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Each team must allow a rookie (a driver that has driven in two or fewer Grand Prix) to take a spot in practice twice per car per season.
This was , with it previously being at least once per car from 2022.
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Over half of the grid have chosen to use the first practice session at the Bahrain International Circuit as one of their slots.
The other teams will swap out drivers and complete their mandatory rookie appearances in other race weeks.
Russell's replacement, Vesti, who has already made two appearances in FP1, is pleased to be getting back in the Mercedes.
“I am really looking forward to getting my first taste of the W16 in FP1 in Bahrain," he said. "Being able to put all of my simulator work into practice on the track is a really exciting prospect for me.
“At the start of the year, I set myself the goal of maximising every chance I get behind the wheel of an F1 car in 2025, and that is what I hope to achieve in Bahrain.
“I will be doing everything I can to help the team, George, and Kimi get set for the rest of the weekend. I am grateful to Mercedes for once again giving me this opportunity.”
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24-year-old Drugovich is stepping in for Alonso, and he's also been speaking about getting the chance to drive in F1 again.
He said: "I'm very happy to be getting out in the F1 car again, especially so early in the season.
"I've been preparing on the simulator to get a feel for the car, and Bahrain is a track I know well and really enjoy driving.
"I'm excited to contribute and give the team the data they need to perform at their best this weekend. Thanks to the whole team for their continued support."
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Sainz is giving up his seat for Browning, and the youngster has called the chance to drive the Williams 'a dream come true'.
FP1 kicks off the racing action in Bahrain this Friday before further practice and qualifying takes place on Saturday.
The race will then get going on Sunday at around 4pm UK time.
Friday, 11 April
- First practice: 12:30pm
- Second practice: 4pm
Saturday, 12 April
- Third practice: 1:30pm
- Qualifying: 5pm
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Sunday, 13 April
How to watch Formula 1 in 2025
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This year's F1 season is set to get the pulses racing, with reigning champion Max Vertappen, Lewis Hamilton and young contender Lando Norris expected to be competing for the driver's championship.
A lot of interest has been generated by Hamilton's move to Ferrari, where he will be racing alongside Charles Leclerc in what could be an exiting combination for the iconic racing brand.
If you want to watch Formula 1 races in 2025, you'll need a Sky Sports subscription.
We've rounded up some options for signing up below to help you find the best subscription for you.
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