New Zealand driver Liam Lawson will miss the first practice session of the Mexican Grand Prix as Racing Bulls fulfil Formula One’s requirement to give rookie drivers track time.
Lawson’s seat will be taken by reserve driver Ayumu Iwasa, who last appeared in FP1 at Suzuka in 2023.
The move comes amid Red Bull’s ongoing evaluation of Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda for a 2026 seat, with both drivers locked in a tight battle this season.
While Lawson’s omission raises questions about his prospects, his growing profile with Ford—Red Bull’s future engine partner—may work in his favour, reports say.
