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Max Verstappen is on the brink of a one-race suspension following a controversial incident at the Spanish Grand Prix, leaving Red Bull Racing with potential replacement options in case the Dutchman is forced to sit out. The reigning world champion was penalized for a risky maneuver involving George Russell, earning a 10-second time penalty and three penalty points. This brings his total to 11 on his FIA Super License, just one shy of the automatic race ban threshold.
The critical penalty stems from Verstappen's aggressive attempt to retake position after being instructed to yield to Russell. The maneuver resulted in contact between the Red Bull and Mercedes cars and left Verstappen finishing 10th. With two more race weekends before any points expire, Red Bull is preparing for a possible worst-case scenario.
Lawson and Hadjar lead replacement options
According to a report by PlanetF1, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner is eyeing two internal candidates, Liam Lawson and Isack Hadjar as potential substitutes if Verstappen becomes ineligible to race. Both currently drive for the Racing Bulls, Red Bull’s junior team.
Lawson, though familiar with the RB21, has struggled in the early stages of the 2025 season. The New Zealander was sidelined after just two race weekends due to underwhelming performances. However, his prior F1 experience could prove valuable if called upon.
Hadjar, on the other hand, endured a dramatic F1 debut with a crash on the formation lap but has since impressed. The French rookie has finished in the points in five of the last eight races and is earning a reputation for strong qualifying pace.
Rising stars wait in the wings
Should either Lawson or Hadjar move up, a seat would open at Racing Bulls. Ayumu Iwasa, the team’s official reserve, is one option, boasting solid practice experience. However, Red Bull may favor 17-year-old sensation Arvid Lindblad, who could enter F1 if granted special dispensation by the FIA.
Lindblad recently secured his first Formula 2 feature race victory in Barcelona and is firmly in contention for the championship following a consistent string of top-10 finishes.
Red Bull under pressure
With Red Bull dropping to fourth in the Constructors' standings, and Verstappen now 49 points behind leader Oscar Piastri after nine races, the team is in a precarious position. Lando Norris also lurks just 10 points behind his McLaren teammate. A one-race ban for Verstappen could prove catastrophic for his championship aspirations.
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