The shadow of a potential Max Verstappen race ban looms large heading into this weekend’s F1 Canadian Grand Prix but the Red Bull star defiantly states ‘I’ll race how I want’ making it clear he has no intention of racing differently.
Despite being just one penalty point away from an automatic suspension, the reigning four-time Formula 1 World Champion has made it clear that he will not change his aggressive and compromising approach to racing.
Verstappen’s current predicament stems from a series of incidents over the past 12 months that have seen him accumulate 11 penalty points on his FIA Super Licence.
The most recent addition came after a dramatic collision with George Russell during the Spanish Grand Prix for which Verstappen was handed a 10-second time penalty and more significantly, three penalty points.
This brought the Dutchman to the brink of the 12-point threshold that triggers an automatic one-race ban under F1’s penalty points system, a rule introduced in 2014 to encourage safer driving standards.
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The penalty points system is straightforward: if a driver accumulates 12 points within a rolling 12-month period, they are banned from the next race. Since its introduction, only one driver—Kevin Magnussen in 2024—has served a suspension under this rule, missing the Azerbaijan GP after reaching the limit.
Verstappen’s situation is particularly precarious because he will not shed any points from his record until after the Austrian Grand Prix at the end of June, meaning he must navigate both the Canadian Grand Prix and the following Austria race event without incident to avoid a ban.
Despite the high stakes, Verstappen remains characteristically defiant. When questioned by the media about whether he would adjust his approach in light of the ban threat, the 27-year old responded with his trademark confidence and dry humor.
“Why should I?” he remarked.
Verstappen also acknowledged the possibility that rivals might try to provoke him into making a mistake, but dismissed the idea that external pressure would influence his behavior on track.
“Even if they do, it’s not in my interest,“ he continued. “I’ll race how I want to race. It’s not going to change anything.”
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The unwavering stance is not merely bravado. Verstappen has built his reputation on being one of the most formidable and relentless competitors in Formula 1.
His aggressive approach has brought him immense success, but it has also led to several contentious moments with other drivers and race stewards.
Critics argue that his refusal to adapt could put his championship campaign—and Red Bull’s season—at risk, especially given that he currently trails McLaren’s Oscar Piastri by 49 points in the standings.
However, Verstappen insists that his position in the championship does not affect his mindset, stating: “It is what it is. I was on eight points before, and now I’m on 11. I cannot just back out of everything. I’m just going to race like I always do. I trust myself.”
The implications of a potential Max Verstappen ban extends far beyond the driver himself. Red Bull Racing, his team, faces a significant dilemma.
Should Verstappen incur another penalty and be forced to sit out a race, Red Bull would likely have to choose between reserve drivers Isack Hadjar and Liam Lawson to fill his seat.
Such a scenario would not only impact the team’s championship aspirations but could also have commercial and fan engagement repercussions, particularly if the ban coincides with the Austrian Grand Prix—Red Bull’s home race and an event that draws thousands of Verstappen’s Dutch supporters.
