Max Verstappen, the four-time world champion, is on the brink of a race ban. With 2the 025 season on full swing, Verstappen’s aggressive driving has made him a victim of a crucial Grand Prix ban. Now, the important question remains: Who could replace Max Verstappen if he faces a race ban? Let’s find out.
Why Would Max Verstappen Be Banned?
Max Verstappen’s race ban stems from the FIA’s penalty point system, where he automatically gains penalty points when he serves any kind of penalty on the grid. According to the rule, if a driver accumulates 12 penalty points in F1 in a year, he will be banned from one race.
Verstappen currently stands with 11 penalty points after the previous Spanish Grand Prix, where he was given 3 penalty points for a controversial clash with George Russell of Mercedes. In addition to the penalty points, he also served a 10-second penalty, which dropped him from a podium finish to tenth position, which dramatically changed the F1 Constructors’ Standings, where Ferrari and Mercedes are now above Red Bull in second and third position.
Two of Verstappen’s penalty points will expire on 30 June, which means if he manages to pull off two more races, the Canadian GP and the Austrian GP, without a single penalty, he should be okay.
However, if he fails to do so, he will automatically be liable to serve a one-race ban, which would be a major blow for both Verstappen and Red Bull.
Who Could Replace Max Verstappen?
If Max Verstappen is banned, Red Bull would be forced to fill his seat for at least one race from their own roster of reserve and junior drivers. The most likely candidates are:
Daniel Ricciardo
While Ricciardo is a current RB driver, his contact and experience with Red Bull could make him a preferred option. However, extracting him from his current team mid-season, even for one race, can be complicated and is considered less likely. Although if he does come back, it would be like a dream come true for F1 fans.
Sebastian Buemi
The Swiss driver is another Red Bull reserve driver with extensive simulator and testing experience. However, he has not yet made his F1 appearance since 2011 and is less likely to be used.
Isack Hadjar
Currently, with Racing Bulls, Hadjar has shown flashes of extreme potential, making him one of the most likely options to replace Max Verstappen if he serves a one-race ban. He has finished in points in five of the nine grand prix for far and is the first rookie to do so since Lewis Hamilton.
Liam Lawson
Liam Lawson is one of the top picks to replace Verstappen since he already raced for Red Bull at the start of 2025 in two races. Given his experience with the demanding car of Red Bull, he could be a perfect replacement.
Arvid Lindblad
Arvid Lindblad debuted in F2 this season and has had multiple victories, including the Spanish feature race last weekend. He’s likely to be drafted into a Racing Bulls seat, however, he could also join Red Bull for one race. Although he will require a clearance in advance from the FIA, as he’s only 17 years old, the FIA requires drivers to be at least 18 years old to drive in F1.
Even though it’s less likely for Max Verstappen to get banned from a race, there are plenty of drivers to choose from if it happens to replace him. Only time will tell what the future holds, so stay tuned!
Also Read: Max Verstappen’s Penalties Explained: Every Incident That Brought Him To The Edge
