Red Bull is sweating, as Verstappen is at serious risk of suspension in F1. After the incomprehensible move against George Russell in the final stages of the Spanish Grand Prix, the reigning world champion was let off with just a three-point deduction on his super license. He will therefore be able to compete in the Canadian Grand Prix without issue, although another minor infraction could cost him a race ban.
Such a scenario would be a serious problem—both for the image of the Hasselt-born talent and, technically, for the Milton Keynes team. The hypothetical absence of the star driver from his home Grand Prix, in Austria, is in fact a concrete risk. It is therefore reasonable to expect the Dutchman to keep his composure, especially if the RB21 proves uncompetitive on the Gilles Villeneuve circuit.
After Magnussen, Max doesn’t want to become the second driver to be banned from a race since the super license points system was introduced. It would be a heavy blow, with the real possibility that the remaining hopes of fighting for a fifth world title could completely evaporate. His admission of guilt and apology after the race in Catalunya indicate awareness and acknowledgment of a serious mistake.
Red Bull prepares for the worst
Christian Horner’s team is obliged to be ready should Max Verstappen incur another penalty in Montreal. The standard procedure used over the years to manage the second seat should apply here as well: according to this approach, Isack Hadjar would be the main candidate to replace the Dutchman in case of a suspension for the Austrian Grand Prix.
At the same time, Red Bull has initiated procedures to obtain an exemption for Arvid Lindblad, a young talent who could debut in the top category at just 17 years old—similar to what was granted to Antonelli last year. After reviewing the case, the FIA approved the request, meaning the young Briton could race and even replace Max.
Verstappen’s absence could expose the RB21
Everyone is hoping the Dutchman makes it safely through June, when a portion of his accumulated penalty points will be deducted from the current total of eleven. Without Max Verstappen, this season would have turned into a boring papaya-colored monologue. A one-race ban for the Dutch driver would in some way be a throwback for the Milton Keynes squad.
For the first time in a decade, the Austrian team would be called upon to prove the true value of its car without Verstappen’s brilliance. Something similar happened in 1994 when Schumacher was suspended for two races after ignoring a black flag at the British GP. On that occasion, the B194 driven by Jos Verstappen and JJ Lehto only managed mid-field finishes.
Hadjar’s potential promotion could offer an opportunity to compare his performance with that of Yuki Tsunoda, although the Japanese driver seems destined to leave the Red Bull group. Honda will continue to support Yuki’s career as a reserve driver for Aston Martin, which next season will exclusively use second-generation turbo-hybrid units from the Japanese giant.
Without Verstappen, the real value of the RB21 would finally be revealed. And perhaps this is precisely why the Austrian team is trembling. Appearing globally as the fourth or fifth-best team in the championship would be highly damaging in terms of image. A reflection of the team’s insufficient work, currently led technically by Pierre Waché, who so far has not proven to be on par with his predecessor.
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