Max Verstappen, the reigning Formula 1 World Champion, is currently on the verge of facing a serious dilemma. He is only one penalty point away from receiving a race ban, which would exclude him from participating in one of the upcoming Formula 1 races. This prospect has led Red Bull Racing to prepare for the unthinkable, as the team has started considering various backup options for a potential Verstappen replacement. Below, we explore the key candidates that Red Bull may turn to if Verstappen is unable to race.

The Situation: Verstappen’s Penalty Point Dilemma

Max Verstappen is currently at risk of receiving a race ban due to accumulating penalty points from various infractions on the track. When a driver accumulates a specific number of penalty points, they are subjected to a race ban. With Verstappen only one point away from that threshold, Red Bull has no choice but to prepare for the possibility that the reigning champion may not be available for an upcoming Grand Prix.

Given Verstappen’s critical role in Red Bull’s success, a race ban would be a significant blow for both him and the team. In response to this uncertainty, Red Bull has started evaluating several potential replacements to step in if Verstappen is forced to sit out a race. Here are the primary candidates that the team is considering.

The Top Candidates for Replacement

1. Isack Hadjar – The Promising Young French Driver

One of the top contenders for a temporary spot at Red Bull is Isack Hadjar, the young French driver who is currently making waves in Formula 2. Hadjar has been performing impressively with Racing Bulls, Red Bull’s junior program, scoring points in several races and delivering an outstanding qualifying performance at the Monaco Grand Prix. His recent form makes him an excellent candidate to temporarily replace Verstappen if needed.

Although Hadjar is relatively inexperienced in Formula 1, his strong performances in lower categories show his potential. If given the chance to race for Red Bull, Hadjar could gain valuable experience without the long-term commitment, which would benefit both him and the team. This scenario would provide Red Bull with a skilled driver to temporarily fill Verstappen’s shoes while giving Hadjar the opportunity to further develop his talents.

2. Liam Lawson – The Experienced Option

Liam Lawson is another potential candidate that Red Bull is considering, although his performances early in the season have not been particularly notable. Lawson, however, has made significant strides recently with Racing Bulls, which makes him an attractive option to step in for Verstappen. His previous experience in Formula 1, combined with his recent progress in Formula 2, makes him a viable choice.

While Lawson has not yet had the chance to shine as Verstappen has, he has proven that he can adapt and improve in the F1 environment. Lawson’s experience and recent form could help him perform well if given the opportunity to race for Red Bull.

3. Ayumu Iwasa – The Less Likely Option

Ayumu Iwasa, who is currently competing in Japan’s Super Formula, has already gained some experience with Red Bull by participating in a Free Practice 1 (FP1) session at a previous race. Although he is not the top contender for Verstappen’s replacement, Iwasa is still being considered by Red Bull, especially if Hadjar or Lawson are promoted temporarily.

Iwasa has shown speed and skill, but it is unlikely that he would be chosen over other, more experienced drivers. However, given his potential to develop further in F1, Iwasa could be an interesting option if Red Bull seeks to elevate one of its junior drivers.

4. Arvid Lindblad – The Future Star

Arvid Lindblad, a young British driver, has recently impressed in Formula 2 and caught the attention of Red Bull. His strong performances indicate that he may be ready for a bigger platform. The only hurdle Lindblad faces is that he will only turn 18 after the Hungarian Grand Prix, and according to FIA regulations, drivers need to be at least 18 to participate in Formula 1.

If Red Bull chooses to give Lindblad a chance, the team will need to seek special approval from the FIA. Despite this obstacle, Lindblad remains an exciting option for the future, with his impressive talent and potential to develop in F1.

5. Daniel Ricciardo – The Surprise Choice

Another option, although highly unexpected, is Daniel Ricciardo. The Australian, who was previously successful with Red Bull, is currently not racing in Formula 1 but still has a strong relationship with the team. If Red Bull decides to prioritize experience, Ricciardo could be an intriguing choice to step in temporarily.

While it is unlikely that Red Bull will call on Ricciardo, his familiarity with the team and his extensive racing experience could make him a valuable asset in guiding the team through a difficult situation. Even though Ricciardo is no longer actively racing, his knowledge of the car and the team could help Red Bull in a pinch.

6. Sergio Pérez – The Unlikely Return

Sergio Pérez, the former Red Bull teammate of Verstappen, could, in theory, be considered for a return to the team. After a disappointing 2024 season, Pérez left Red Bull, but the possibility of his return is extremely unlikely. The strained relationship between Pérez and the team makes this option highly improbable, even if Red Bull were in a difficult position.

It’s clear that Red Bull is preparing for the potential that Max Verstappen may have to sit out a race due to his penalty points. With several candidates on the table, including Isack Hadjar, Liam Lawson, Ayumu Iwasa, Arvid Lindblad, Daniel Ricciardo, and even Sergio Pérez, Red Bull has a variety of options to consider. Whether the team opts to promote a young driver or bring in a seasoned professional, the decision will have a significant impact on their performance during a challenging time.

It will be fascinating to see which driver Red Bull ultimately selects, and what effect this decision will have on the rest of the season. As always, the world of Formula 1 is full of surprises, and this situation will undoubtedly keep fans and experts on the edge of their seats.