Red Bull have reportedly decided on a plan to replace Max Verstappen in the event the four-time champion is handed a suspension.
Verstappen was handed three penalty points on his Super License after what appeared to be deliberate contact with the Mercedes of George Russell during the Spanish Grand Prix.
The incident now sees the Red Bull driver one point away from an automatic one-race ban, should he get another penalty point in June.
Verstappen was already disgruntled after his team decided to pit him onto had tyres whilst the rest of the field was able to pit for softs.
Getty | Max Verstappen is just one point away from an automatic one race banTeam principal Christian Horner instructed Verstappen to give the place back to Russell, as the Red Bull slowed down to let him pass, Verstappen sped back up and collided with the side of the Mercedes, the comment from his team seemingly tipping him over the edge.
Should the scenario play out where Verstappen gets another penalty point, Red Bull has already taken steps to ensure his replacement can step in.
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De Telegraph reports that the Milton Keynes-based constructor has applied to the FIA for an exception regarding a Super License for young Briton Arvid Lindblad.
The 17-year-old has been impressing in F2 and would be the driver chosen if the worst should happen to Verstappen.
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|Arvid Lindblad has been impressing in Formula 2
It’s claimed Red Bull applied for the exception before the race in Barcelona and has yet to hear from the FIA.
Super Licenses are needed to race within Formula 1, usually, the minimum age to require a license is 18 years old. The rule can be waived if there is a 17-year-old who has “demonstrated outstanding ability and maturity” in another FIA-approves championship.
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The amendment to the rule came last year, as Kimi Antonelli, aged 17 at the time, was being rumoured to compete in a practice session for Mercedes.
Toto Wolff commented on the rule in June 2024.
PA | Kimi Antonelli was allowed to race in practice aged 17
“The president of the FIA always had the ability and discretion of letting a driver drive, if you believe that the performance was good enough," he said.
“I think the change of regulations isn’t [about] Antonelli, it is generally to make sure that drivers with the right pedigree, CVs, success and maturity are able to race in F1, rather than a birth date. I think that was the right decision.”