Verstappen camp accused of 'torpedo' plot against Red Bull as Lawson escapes Silverstone penalty

Silverstone served up a dramatic Saturday as Kimi Antonelli stormed to pole position for the British Grand Prix, while off-track tensions at Red Bull dominated the conversation. Former F1 driver Martin Brundle claimed Max Verstappen's camp orchestrated a move to "torpedo" the senior management structure at the energy drinks giant, linking the alleged campaign to recent high-profile exits. On the track, Liam Lawson survived a stewards' investigation into his aggressive sprint-race defending against Isack Hadjar, walking away with only a warning as the grid took shape for Sunday.

Why it matters:

Red Bull's internal turbulence is no longer confined to the factory corridors. Brundle's accusation suggests a deliberate push by Verstappen's inner circle to destabilize the team's leadership, casting fresh doubt on the reigning champion's long-term future and the squad's ability to keep harmony while chasing titles. Meanwhile, the Lawson-Hadjar clash underscored the uncomfortable reality of Red Bull's driver program, where two racers answering to the same parent organization are fighting tooth and nail for position and, ultimately, their seats.

The details:

• Red Bull turmoil: Brundle asserted that Verstappen's allies actively worked to oust senior figures, directly connecting the movement to recent departures from Milton Keynes. The claim paints a picture of a powerhouse fracturing from within even as it battles for wins on Sunday.
• Lawson avoids penalty: The stewards investigated Lawson's defensive maneuver against Hadjar during the sprint but issued only a warning. Brundle defended the call while noting that both drivers are tied to Red Bull, adding a layer of corporate intrigue to an already heated on-track scrap.
• Front-row shake-up: Antonelli claimed a commanding pole for Mercedes, edging out Ferrari's Charles Leclerc to form an unexpected front row that leaves Verstappen facing a rare qualifying defeat and a longer road to victory.
• Sprint adjustments: Nico Hulkenberg was dropped two positions after the sprint after being judged to have gained an advantage by running off-track, subtly shuffling the midfield order.

What's next:

Sunday's grand prix sets the stage for a fascinating strategic contest. Antonelli will aim to convert his maiden pole into a statement win, while Verstappen must carve his way through a grid that hasn't fallen his way. Behind the leading pack, all eyes will remain on Red Bull's garage—both for Lawson's ability to capitalize on his reprieve and for any further signs that Brundle's explosive claims have left lasting scars on the team's championship charge.