Verstappen Faces Race Ban Threat Ahead of Canadian and Austrian Grands Prix
Max Verstappen enters the Canadian and Austrian Grands Prix under the shadow of a potential race ban, following a 10-second penalty and three penalty points received at the Spanish Grand Prix for colliding with George Russell. This incident has propelled Verstappen’s total penalty points to 11, just one point shy of an automatic race ban.
Verstappen acknowledges the precarious situation but remains undeterred. “No, nothing changed. Why should I?” he asserted during media interactions in Montreal. He emphasizes a steadfast commitment to his racing style: “I just come here to race and I will always race hard.”
Addressing the late-race collision that prompted his penalty, Verstappen expressed frustration over a complex sequence of events, including an aggressive three-stop strategy disrupted by a late safety car. He noted, “It was just a very frustrating few laps… a misjudgement, clearly, in the corner.”
While he admitted to frustration with the race’s unfolding, Verstappen refrained from nitpicking fairness regarding his penalty situation. “Everyone makes mistakes in life. Everyone learns from them, and we just move on,” he remarked.
The impending races in Canada and Austria will be critical not only for the championship standings but also for Verstappen’s drive to avoid further penalties. If he reaches 12 points, he faces an automatic ban, with only incremental deductions starting after the Austrian GP.
In closing remarks, Verstappen dismissed suggestions that the issue of penalty points would weigh on his mind, saying, “Maybe for you, not for me. I don’t think about it.”
With the tension rising, all eyes will be on Verstappen as he navigates these crucial upcoming races.
