5 drivers who could replace Max Verstappen if Red Bull star gets suspended
Max Verstappen is teetering on the brink of a one-race suspension following his reckless run-in with George Russell at the Spanish Grand Prix two weeks ago.
The FIA hit the Red Bull star and four-time world champion with a 10-second penalty in the race, followed by three penalty points on his super license. That means Verstappen enters the Canadian Grand Prix with 11 points total on his super license in total. F1's rules dictate 12 penalty points in a 12-month period trigger a one-race suspension.
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Fortunately for Max, two of his points will expire at the end of June. Unfortunately, he doesn't plan on changing his driving style at all before then. Which means Red Bull must be prepared for the possibility Verstappen is sidelined if he gets assessed another point.
So who drives one of the best cars in the world if Max is out? Here's a look at team principal Christian Horner's best option.
Liam Lawson
May 1, 2025; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; RB driver Liam Lawson (30) looks on during an interview at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
The driver of the No. 30 VCARB car would be a natural selection to slot into Max's seat — especially after he impressed Horner in practice last season while driving a Red Bull, leading the team to cut Daniel Ricciardo to make space for Lawson.
Isack Hadjar
MONTREAL, QUEBEC - JUNE 13: Dr Helmut Marko, Team Consultant of Oracle Red Bull Racing talks with Isack Hadjar of France and Visa Cash App Racing Bulls in the Paddock prior to practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Canada at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve on June 13, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec. (Photo by)
Lawson's VCARB teammate might be the better driver this season, but would Red Bull really consider messing with something that's working so well? Hadjar is ninth in the driver standings with 21 points — compared to Lawson's four — and even the Paris native is worried about what a call-up might look like.
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'It's a bit scary," Hadjar said Thursday. "I wouldn't feel ready. I'm just nine races in. It looks to be complicated when I look at Yuki [Tsunoda] and Liam, who are very quality drivers. So no, I'm not very ready, but I would always be here for the call, that's for sure.'
Arvid Lindblad
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - DECEMBER 11: Arvid Lindblad of Great Britain and Campos Racing (20) looks on in the garage during day one of Formula 2 Testing at Yas Marina Circuit on December 11, 2024 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by)
Just 17 years old (until August), Red Bull successfully petitioned the FIA to grant the Formula 2 driver a super license prior to his 18th birthday. That might be all the evidence necessary to anoint the rising British star Verstappen's back-up.
Per ESPN's Laurence Edmondson:
[Lindblad] is being lined up to take part in free practice sessions ahead of the August break, but will now also qualify as a reserve driver for Red Bull and its junior team Racing Bulls.
...Although the application for Lindblad's superlicence was submitted before Verstappen received three penalty points at the last round in Spain, he would present an alternative to current reserve Ayuma Iwasa, who is currently racing in Japan's Super Formula.
Ayuma Iwasa
Jun 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen (1) during FP1 practice at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
Well, this one should be obvious, but if Lindblad is getting approval to race it sure seems like Red Bull is content to leave Iwasa in the Super Formula car. That said, he's still on Horner's roster and remains a solid option.
Daniel Ricciardo
SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE - SEPTEMBER 22: Daniel Ricciardo of Australia and Visa Cash App RB prepares in the garage prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Singapore at Marina Bay Street Circuit on September 22, 2024 in Singapore, Singapore. (Photo by)
Could Red Bull's prodigal son return once again and finally get his storybook ending!?
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No, don't count on it. Ricciardo hasn't been around the paddock at all lately and it would take a lot from both sides to get the veteran race ready. Still, Horner knows him well and knows what he's getting. If he'd rather put an experienced F1 driver in the car rather than an up-and-comer, there are way worse options.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: 5 drivers who may replace Max Verstappen if F1 star gets suspended
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