Red Bull’s Contingency Plan Revealed: Daniel Ricciardo Ready to Step In for Max Verstappen Ban
Red Bull’s Formula 1 team is bracing for a potential one-race ban for Max Verstappen, as the fallout from the dramatic incident with George Russell at the Spanish Grand Prix continues to unfold. Verstappen’s actions on the track earned him a 10-second penalty and three penalty points on his super licence, bringing his total to 11 points in the last 12 months. Just one more point in the upcoming races could see him sidelined for a race, jeopardizing his championship aspirations.
In a strategic move to mitigate the impact of a possible ban on Verstappen, Red Bull has outlined a plan to substitute the Dutch driver with either Liam Lawson or Isack Hadjar, while Ayumu Iwasa would step in to fill the gap at the sister team, Racing Bulls. This contingency plan dashes the hopes of fans who were anticipating a one-off return for Daniel Ricciardo, who was unceremoniously dropped from Red Bull’s sister team in 2024.
The potential promotion of Lawson, who has prior experience in the RB21, or Hadjar, who has been impressing with Racing Bulls, highlights the team’s commitment to maintaining their competitive edge in the constructors’ championship. The decision to give Iwasa a chance for his grand prix debut further solidifies Red Bull’s strategy in the face of uncertainty surrounding Verstappen’s future in the upcoming races.
As the tension mounts in the F1 world, all eyes are on Red Bull and their lineup decisions, with the looming possibility of a Verstappen ban adding a layer of intrigue to an already captivating season. Will Red Bull’s backup plan be put into action, or will Verstappen manage to steer clear of further penalties? The stakes are high, and the drama is far from over in the world of Formula 1.