Racing Bulls are making a lineup change at the opening practice session of the Austrian Grand Prix weekend due to the rookie driver rule. The Faenza-based team officially announced that Japanese driver Ayumu Iwasa, a member of the Red Bull young driver program, will drive in place of Liam Lawson in the first practice session at the Red Bull Ring.
Iwasa's second F1 drive of the season.
For Iwasa, the Red Bull Ring will be his second Formula 1 practice session of the 2026 season. The Japanese driver completed his first session this year at the Spanish Grand Prix weekend, but that time he drove a Red Bull car instead of a Racing Bull car, with Isack replacing Hadjar in the RB22. This time, however, he will be working under the umbrella of sister team Racing Bulls and will be responsible for collecting technical data.
Racing Bulls have a qualification advantage this year.
While the mandatory rookie rule makes season planning difficult for many teams, Racing Bulls is in a relatively advantageous position this year. Since Arvid Lindblad, one of the team's current drivers, is already a rookie under the regulations, his first two practice sessions at the start of the season automatically count towards the team's overall quota. This creates additional practice opportunities for young driver prospects like Iwasa as the season progresses.