Max Verstappen Faces Potential Suspension in Formula 1: Red Bull’s Contingency Plans
Max Verstappen, the reigning four-time Formula 1 champion, finds himself on the brink of a suspension due to accumulating penalty points on his super license. After receiving three penalty points for an incident involving George Russell during the race in Barcelona, Verstappen’s total has now reached eleven points. This figure is alarmingly close to the threshold that triggers an automatic one-race suspension. If he commits any further infractions before June 30, he will be sidelined for a Grand Prix. Even after this date, he remains at risk until the end of October when some of his accumulated points will begin to expire.
In light of this precarious situation, the Red Bull Racing team is discreetly exploring alternative options should Verstappen be unable to compete. Several names are emerging within the paddock as potential substitutes for their star driver.
Isack Hadjar: The Rising Star
One of the frontrunners for a potential replacement is Isack Hadjar. The young French driver, who is currently racing for the Racing Bulls, has been making waves with his impressive speed and recovery skills. After experiencing a significant setback in the Australian Grand Prix, where he crashed during the formation lap, Hadjar bounced back quickly and has since been consistently scoring points in subsequent races. His strong performance during the qualifying session in Monaco, where he secured a fifth-place starting position, has further solidified his reputation within the Red Bull organization.
Hadjar is viewed as one of the brightest prospects in Red Bull’s driver development program, a sentiment that has been echoed by Helmut Marko, a key consultant for Red Bull Racing. The team’s faith in Hadjar’s abilities makes him a strong candidate should Verstappen be unable to race.
Liam Lawson: The Experienced Contender
Another name being considered is Liam Lawson, the New Zealand driver who has already had a taste of racing with Red Bull this season. Lawson participated in two races earlier in the year but lost his seat to Yuki Tsunoda after the Chinese Grand Prix. Since then, he has been working diligently to maintain his position within the Red Bull program, competing with the Racing Bulls. In Monaco, Lawson played a strategic role for the team by managing the pace towards the end of the race, allowing Hadjar to pit without losing positions.
Despite his experience, Lawson has yet to fully secure the team’s confidence, leaving his selection as a potential substitute for Verstappen uncertain. Red Bull’s management will need to weigh their options carefully if the situation arises.
Other Potential Candidates
While Hadjar and Lawson are the primary names in the discussion, other drivers are also being considered, albeit with lesser chances. Ayumu Iwasa, a junior driver for Red Bull currently competing in Super Formula, has tested with both Red Bull and Racing Bulls. He could be called upon to step in if Hadjar or Lawson are temporarily promoted.
On the veteran side, the options seem even more limited. Daniel Ricciardo, who has been absent from the grid since losing his seat with the Racing Bulls, could potentially return for a single race. However, there are no indications that he is willing to make such a comeback. Additionally, Sergio Perez, who departed Red Bull at the end of 2024 following underwhelming performances, has also been mentioned as a possibility. However, his current association with a prospective project at Cadillac for 2026 makes this scenario highly unlikely.
Red Bull’s Strategy Moving Forward
At this juncture, Red Bull is undoubtedly hoping that Verstappen can avoid further infractions and stay below the penalty point threshold. However, the team is also proactively preparing for any unforeseen circumstances. Should the need arise for a substitute driver, Isack Hadjar appears to be the most likely candidate based on his recent performances and the faith that the team has placed in him.
The stakes are high in Formula 1, and losing a driver of Verstappen’s caliber for even a single race could have significant implications for the championship standings and the team’s overall performance. Therefore, Red Bull’s ability to adapt quickly and efficiently will be crucial in the coming months.
In the fast-paced world of Formula 1, where every point counts and the competition is fierce, the importance of having a strong backup plan cannot be overstated. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Verstappen and the Red Bull team, watching to see how they navigate this challenging situation.
