Red Bull's Contingency Plan: Who Could Replace Max Verstappen?
Max Verstappen's recent penalty in Barcelona has brought him dangerously close to a one-race ban. The reigning world champion now stands at 11 points out of the 12 required for suspension over a 12-month period. This precarious situation raises questions about who could step into his shoes if he is forced to sit out a race. Among the contenders, Isack Hadjar emerges as a promising candidate. Despite an early setback in Australia, the French rookie has shown remarkable potential with five point finishes this season and a strong qualifying performance in Monaco.
Another potential replacement is Liam Lawson, whose brief stint with Red Bull earlier this year may have been underwhelming but provided valuable experience. Although Lawson returned to the junior team after struggling with the transition, his recent performance in Monaco suggests he might be ready for another opportunity. Meanwhile, Ayumu Iwasa, part of Red Bull's junior program since 2021, also enters the conversation. With podium finishes in Super Formula and F2 wins, Iwasa could be given a chance to prove himself in a Formula 1 car, possibly stepping into the Racing Bulls seat vacated by either Hadjar or Lawson.
Exploring further possibilities, Arvid Lindblad presents an intriguing option despite regulatory hurdles due to his age. As an accomplished F2 driver with victories in Saudi Arabia and Spain, Lindblad would likely fill a Racing Bulls vacancy rather than immediately joining Red Bull. Additionally, there's speculation around Daniel Ricciardo, a former Red Bull favorite, potentially making a comeback. Though distanced from motorsport since losing his seat, Ricciardo remains a fan favorite. Lastly, Sergio Perez, despite strained relations following last season’s struggles, knows the team inside out and might seize the opportunity amid rumors linking him to Cadillac.
Formula 1 teams must always prepare for unexpected scenarios. The potential absence of a key driver like Verstappen highlights the importance of nurturing young talent within the organization. It underscores the necessity for comprehensive training programs and strategic planning to ensure seamless transitions when such situations arise. Furthermore, it emphasizes the value of maintaining strong relationships with past drivers, creating a robust network capable of stepping up during critical moments.