Red Bull Updates Fans on Max Verstappen Replacement Plans

Red Bull adviser Helmut Marko has commented on the possible scenarios if Max Verstappen receives a suspension in Formula 1. Verstappen risks a one-race ban if he picks up another penalty point on his FIA super licence during the next two Grand Prix weekends.

This situation has sparked speculation about who might replace him at Red Bull if he cannot compete. Two main names have emerged as leading candidates: Isack Hadjar and Arvid Lindblad.

Hadjar has begun his first full F1 season strongly, scoring 21 points and claiming five top 10 finishes from nine races so far. The French driver is ninth in the drivers’ standings and has consistently progressed out of Q1 in qualifying sessions.

Helmut Marko noted that Hadjar was underrated during his Formula 2 career despite winning more races than many peers. He reportedly lost a significant amount of points—about 80—due to technical problems.

Lindblad, just 17 years old, is also seen as a serious option. Racing for Campos Racing in Formula 2, he recently won the main feature race at the Spanish Grand Prix, marking his second victory in his rookie F2 season.

Since Lindblad is under 18 until August, Red Bull has submitted an application for an FIA super licence exemption to allow him to compete in F1 if needed. Marko highlighted Lindblad’s progress, suggesting that if he maintains this level of performance, a promotion to F1 is very possible.

If Verstappen is forced to sit out a race, Red Bull’s likely plan would be to promote either Hadjar or Liam Lawson. Lindblad or Ayumu Iwasa might then step in at Racing Bulls to fill the vacated seat.

Lawson has previous F1 experience and offers a reliable option, but Marko’s recent comments focus more on the sensational rookie seasons of Hadjar and Lindblad. Hadjar’s consistent qualifying performances and race resilience have drawn comparisons to other notable rookies like Kimi Antonelli and Gabriel Bortoleto.

Marko believes Hadjar’s achievements were often overshadowed last season by media attention toward Bortoleto. He emphasized this point in his analysis of Hadjar’s progress.

Red Bull’s potential driver changes come amid tightly contested standings. After nine rounds in 2025, McLaren leads the teams’ points, while Verstappen sits third with 137 points, behind Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris.

The team faces pressure to maintain its competitive edge, with the risk of losing one of its top drivers adding to the tension. Key races, such as the Canadian Grand Prix on June 15 and the Austrian Grand Prix at the end of the month, could see Red Bull’s decision on a substitute play a major role.

Fans and analysts are watching closely to see if Verstappen avoids suspension or if one of Red Bull’s rising talents will get their chance on F1’s top stage.

John Martinez

John Martinez delivers real-time NASCAR Cup Series and Truck Series news, from live race updates to pit-lane strategy analysis. A graduate of the University of Northwestern Ohio’s Motorsports Technology program, he breaks down rule changes, driver tactics, and championship points with crystal-clear reporting.