Red Bull request FIA rule change for replacement driver as Max Verstappen race ban looms

Red Bull have submitted to the FIA asking for a rule change due to fears that star driver Max Verstappen could receive a race ban following the Spanish Grand Prix.

After a dramatic Spanish Grand Prix that saw Red Bull driver Verstappen handed a huge penalty for appearing to cause a collision with George Russell, Formula One is taking a one week break before the Canadian Grand Prix.

Due to his behaviour in Barcelona, not only did Verstappen receive a 10 second penalty which took him from third down to 10th, but he also was handed three penalty points, taking his total in the past year to 11.

This means that should he receive one more before they are reset at the end of the month, then Verstappen will be banned for one race, and it appears Red Bull may be preparing for this scenario.

Max Verstappen was involved in a controversial collision with George Russell at the Spanish Grand Prix. (Image: Getty)

According to a report from The Race, Red Bull have officially submitted a superlicence exemption request for young prospect Arvid Lindblad which will be discussed by the FIA ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix.

If approved, it would allow Red Bull to bring the talented 17-year-old into the team as a reserve driver, meaning he could fill in for Verstappen if he were to receive a penalty point in either of the next two races.

Typically, drivers are only eligible for a superlicence after they turn 18, but with Lindblad's birthday not until August, Red Bull would need the exemption to be granted if they hope to have him involved in the coming weeks.

However, Red Bull have reason to be optimistic as last year, a clause was added to the FIA’s International Sporting Code that made it that 17-year-olds would be allowed secure a superlicence if they displayed exceptional talent.

Arvid Lindblad could step in for Max Verstappen should the Dutchman receive a race ban. (Image: Getty)

It is precisely this clause that allowed current Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli to join the F1 team ahead of his 18th birthday last year.

And it's hard to see any reason why the same wouldn't be allowed to Lindbald, who has got himself past the 40-point threshold needed to apply for an F1 superlicence in February after he won the Formula Regional Oceania Championship.

The British-Swedish driver currently races in Formula 2 and is sitting third in the championship standings having recently picked up his first full race victory in Spain last week.