BREAKING :Red Bull plans confirmed for Max Verstappen ban as Daniel Ricciardo…Read more
Red Bull plans confirmed for Max Verstappen ban as Daniel Ricciardo verdict delivered
Red Bull Racing have a contingency plan in place should Max Verstappen receive a one-race ban later in the season, following the fallout from a controversial incident at the Spanish Grand Prix. Verstappen was handed a 10-second penalty and three penalty points on his super licence after appearing to deliberately collide with George Russell’s Mercedes during the race.
With Verstappen already trailing championship leader Oscar Piastri by 49 points, a race ban could have significant consequences for his title hopes. In anticipation of such a scenario, Red Bull are reportedly prepared to call up either Liam Lawson or Isack Hadjar to temporarily replace Verstappen in the main team.
According to GPFans, this would also trigger a reshuffle within the Red Bull camp, with junior driver Ayumu Iwasa likely to step into a vacant seat at the sister team, Racing Bulls, should either Lawson or Hadjar be promoted.
This plan effectively rules out any hopes among fans that Daniel Ricciardo could be given a farewell race in a Red Bull car. Ricciardo was dropped by the Racing Bulls team halfway through the 2024 season after underwhelming performances and exited the team without a proper send-off. The decision to part ways with Ricciardo was made quietly, in between race weekends, leaving supporters disappointed at the lack of ceremony for the popular Australian.
The most likely candidate to stand in for Verstappen appears to be Liam Lawson, who has prior experience with the RB21 and previously filled in for Red Bull in the past. However, it would be a dramatic reversal of fortune for the New Zealander, who was dropped just two races into the 2025 season. Despite this setback, Lawson returned to Racing Bulls and has continued to compete alongside Hadjar.
Isack Hadjar, meanwhile, has enjoyed a remarkable rookie campaign in 2025. With 21 points to his name, he has outperformed both Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda, even though he hasn’t yet raced for the senior Red Bull team. His consistent form has made him a strong contender for a call-up, should Verstappen be forced to sit out a race.
As for the Racing Bulls reshuffle, Ayumu Iwasa would be given his Formula 1 debut if either Lawson or Hadjar is promoted. This move also puts to rest speculation that Red Bull might fast-track 17-year-old F2 sensation Arvid Lindblad into F1. Despite Lindblad’s impressive performances in Formula 2 this year, Red Bull appear to be prioritizing a more gradual development path.
while Red Bull are ready for any Verstappen-related disruption, a Ricciardo comeback appears firmly off the table.
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