Max Verstappen: The Risk of a One-Race Ban and Potential Replacements

Max Verstappen, the current reigning champion in Formula 1, is facing a precarious situation following an incident at the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona. After a collision with George Russell, Verstappen has accumulated penalty points that bring him dangerously close to a one-race ban. With three penalty points added to his superlicence and a 10-second time penalty issued during the race, he now sits just one point shy of a suspension that would prevent him from participating in a Grand Prix.

The Penalty Points Dilemma

Verstappen’s recent penalty comes after he collided with Russell’s Mercedes during the final moments of the Spanish Grand Prix. This incident has pushed him to a total of 11 penalty points within a rolling 12-month period, just one shy of the 12 points that would trigger an automatic race ban. The reigning champion first received penalty points in this current cycle after the Austrian Grand Prix on June 30 of last year, when he collided with Lando Norris. Although some of these points will eventually expire, this leaves Verstappen still at risk of suspension until late in the year.

Specifically, two points he received for another incident involving Norris in Mexico will not fall off until after October 27. This precarious situation means that Verstappen must navigate the next couple of races without incurring any further penalties, as any additional infractions could lead to him missing a race.

Who Could Replace Verstappen?

In the event that Verstappen is compelled to sit out a race, speculation abounds regarding who could step into his Red Bull seat. Several candidates have emerged as potential replacements, each with their unique strengths and backgrounds.

Isack Hadjar

Isack Hadjar, a promising rookie driver within the Red Bull ranks, has garnered attention for his impressive performances this season. After a troubling start in the rain during the Australian Grand Prix, where he crashed out on the formation lap, Hadjar has bounced back admirably. He has finished in the points in five of the nine races held thus far and qualified in an impressive fifth place at Monaco, marking him as the first rookie to achieve this since Lewis Hamilton.

Hadjar’s adaptability and skill behind the wheel make him a strong contender for a potential one-off opportunity to drive for the main Red Bull team should Verstappen be unavailable. Given the unique circumstances, this could serve as a pressure-free chance for Hadjar to showcase his abilities on a grand stage.

Liam Lawson

Another candidate is Liam Lawson, who had a brief and tumultuous stint as a Red Bull driver earlier in the season. Although his initial experience was less than stellar, Lawson’s time in the car during that period could provide him with valuable insights that would benefit him should he be called back. After being reassigned to the junior team, Lawson has been working hard to rebuild his reputation and has recently achieved his first points of the year in Monaco.

However, Lawson’s previous difficulties with the Red Bull car may make team officials hesitant to give him another chance. Still, if he were to be given the opportunity to fill in for Verstappen, it could be a chance for him to redefine his career in Formula 1.

Ayumu Iwasa

Ayumu Iwasa, who has been part of the Red Bull junior program since 2021, is also a strong candidate for a potential seat. He has proven himself as a race winner in both Formula 3 and Formula 2, showing his capacity to compete at high levels. Currently racing for Team Mugen in Super Formula, Iwasa has secured multiple podium finishes this season.

Iwasa’s previous experience driving for Red Bull in practice sessions could give him the edge needed to adapt to the car quickly. Although he might not take over Verstappen’s seat directly, he could be a viable option for the junior team, Racing Bulls, if either Lawson or Hadjar were to move up.

Arvid Lindblad

Arvid Lindblad, another member of the Red Bull junior driver program, has also made a name for himself in various racing series. Having debuted in Formula 2 this season, Lindblad has shown promise with impressive performances, including victories in both the Saudi Arabian sprint race and the feature race in Spain.

One consideration regarding Lindblad is his age. The FIA has regulations concerning the minimum age for Formula 1 drivers, requiring them to be at least 18 unless they can demonstrate exceptional skill and maturity. Lindblad’s 18th birthday is set for just after the Hungarian Grand Prix, which could complicate his immediate availability for a Red Bull seat.

Daniel Ricciardo

In a more nostalgic twist, former Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo could be an intriguing option if the team decides to prioritize experience for a temporary replacement. Ricciardo has a storied history with Red Bull, having won multiple Grand Prix races during his tenure with the team. Although he has not been behind the wheel since losing his seat at AlphaTauri, there is a fan base that would welcome his return, even for a single race.

However, Ricciardo’s recent disengagement from the sport could pose challenges in terms of getting him back into competitive shape.

Sergio Perez

Lastly, there’s Sergio Perez, who, despite a rocky season alongside Verstappen, has intimate knowledge of the inner workings of Red Bull. His past performances, however, have left some doubts within the team’s hierarchy following a disappointing finish to the last season. While his experience with the team could provide immediate benefits, the question remains if he has the team’s confidence to take the wheel again, particularly given the speculation surrounding his future with the newly formed Cadillac racing team, set to join the championship in 2026.

Conclusion

As Max Verstappen navigates the risk of a one-race ban, the potential for a temporary replacement looms large. The options range from promising rookies to seasoned veterans, each with their own merits and drawbacks. While Verstappen continues to concentrate on his performance in the upcoming races, the specter of a potential ban adds an extra layer of intrigue to the ongoing Formula 1 season. Regardless of who might step in, the stakes are high, and the excitement surrounding these developments keeps fans and teams alike on their toes.