Who Will Replace Max Verstappen at Red Bull If He Faces F1 Race Ban?

Max Verstappen is just one penalty point away from a Formula 1 race ban following his incident with George Russell at the Spanish Grand Prix. He received a ten-second penalty and three penalty points for the collision, bringing his total to eleven points within twelve months, just one short of the twelve points needed for a one-race suspension. For more details on the Spain GP incident, see the full report.

Verstappen’s first points in this cycle came at the 2024 Austrian Grand Prix. To avoid a ban, he must remain clean through the next two rounds, as some of his earliest points won’t expire until late October.

If Verstappen is forced to miss a race, the big question is who will replace him at Red Bull. Several options are emerging from the Red Bull lineup and its pool of junior drivers.

French rookie Isack Hadjar has impressed this season with Racing Bulls. After a slow start in Australia, he scored points in five of nine races and qualified fifth in Monaco, making him a strong candidate for a one-race substitute. The pressure of qualifying in Monaco adds further weight to his performance.

Liam Lawson, the New Zealander, also remains a contender. He filled in earlier this season but struggled and returned to Racing Bulls after the Chinese Grand Prix. However, his points finish in Monaco and team spirit might earn him another one-off opportunity.

Japanese driver Ayumu Iwasa is under consideration as well. Part of Red Bull’s junior program since 2021, he has podiums in Super Formula and has made F1 weekend appearances with Racing Bulls and Red Bull. He is more likely to move up temporarily if a Racing Bulls driver steps up.

British driver Arvid Lindblad is another option from the junior pool. He debuted in F2 this year, already with wins in Saudi Arabia and Spain. However, he turns 18 only after the Hungarian Grand Prix on August 3, so any earlier race would require special permission.

More experienced drivers like Daniel Ricciardo remain linked to the team. Ricciardo, with seven F1 wins for Red Bull, currently races for Racing Bulls but has been dropped in 2024. He would need convincing to return, even for a single race.

Sergio Perez, Verstappen’s former teammate, is a possible option given his Red Bull experience. Yet, after a difficult 2024 season with the team falling to third in the constructors’ standings, his recent form could count against him.

Red Bull has plenty of talent to call on if Verstappen sits out. The final decision will depend on timing, driver form, and strategy as the team aims to keep championship momentum alive.

Fans and the F1 paddock will watch closely should Verstappen get any closer to a race ban this season. For broader race context, including car developments, see the recent F1 flexi wing updates.