Just In: Red Bull Confirmed for Max Verstappen BAN as Daniel Ricciardo ve… read more
Red Bull Confirmed for Max Verstappen BAN as Daniel Ricciardo ve… read more
Red Bull Racing is reportedly preparing for the real possibility that Max Verstappen could face a one-race suspension during the 2025 Formula 1 season. The three-time world champion was penalized during the Spanish Grand Prix after race stewards concluded that he had deliberately collided with George Russell’s Mercedes. As a result, Verstappen was handed a 10-second time penalty and received three penalty points on his FIA super licence.
This penalty brings Verstappen’s total to 11 points over the past 12 months—just one short of the 12-point threshold that would automatically trigger a one-race ban. With some of those penalty points set to expire on June 30, the next two races—the Canadian and Austrian Grands Prix—will be crucial for Verstappen. He must avoid any further infractions if he hopes to stay in the title fight. Currently trailing McLaren’s Oscar Piastri by 49 points in the drivers’ standings, Verstappen can hardly afford to miss a race if he wants to close the gap and defend his championship.
In anticipation of a potential suspension, Red Bull has a contingency plan ready. According to GPFans, the team is looking at its pool of young talent for a temporary replacement. The leading candidates are Liam Lawson and Isack Hadjar, both currently racing for Red Bull’s sister team, Racing Bulls. Should Verstappen be sidelined, one of them would be promoted to Red Bull for a race, while junior driver Ayumu Iwasa would fill the vacant seat at Racing Bulls.
This development has effectively ended speculation about a farewell appearance for Daniel Ricciardo. The fan-favorite Australian driver was dropped from Racing Bulls midway through the 2024 season following a disappointing string of results and has since been absent from the grid. While fans had hoped that Ricciardo might return for a one-off race with Red Bull if needed, the team seems committed to investing in its next generation of talent rather than revisiting past line-ups.
Among the likely substitutes, Liam Lawson appears to have the edge due to his previous experience in a Red Bull car and continued participation in Formula 1 with Racing Bulls. However, it’s worth noting that he was dropped by the main Red Bull team after only two races earlier this season, which could make his return surprising despite his familiarity with the car.
Isack Hadjar, on the other hand, is enjoying a strong rookie season. With 21 championship points already—more than Lawson and teammate Yuki Tsunoda—Hadjar’s performance is turning heads and making a strong case for a potential call-up. His ability to deliver consistent results without having driven for the top-tier team could give him an advantage in Red Bull’s decision-making process.
Additionally, Red Bull’s plan to promote Iwasa to Racing Bulls in case of a vacancy rules out an early debut for promising F2 talent Arvid Lindblad. Despite his impressive performances in the junior category, the team appears cautious, opting for a steady developmental path instead of rushing Lindblad into Formula 1.
Overall, while Verstappen’s potential ban presents a serious risk to Red Bull’s championship hopes, the team’s well-structured succession plan shows its commitment to developing and trusting its rising stars.
About The Author
