Breaking: Max Verstappen in danger of F1 ban as penalty points stack up after Lando Norris…read more
Max Verstappen in danger of F1 ban as penalty points stack up after Lando Norris…read more
Max Verstappen is at risk of an F1 race ban as his penalty points approach the limit, following recent on-track clashes with McLaren’s Lando Norris at the Mexican Grand Prix. Verstappen, a three-time World Champion, engaged in a heated competition with Norris, which ultimately led to two separate 10-second penalties that dropped him down the standings.
The race began with Verstappen positioned alongside Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz, who started from pole and eventually claimed victory, with Norris close behind. The rivalry between Verstappen and Norris has grown over recent weeks, especially after Norris was penalized for an off-track overtake on Verstappen in Austin the previous week. In Mexico, Verstappen found himself defending hard against Norris but took an aggressive approach that led him to push the McLaren driver wide twice. The race stewards penalized Verstappen for these incidents, costing him a spot in the top standings and placing him sixth, while Norris took second place.
These penalties have added two more points to Verstappen’s super license tally, bringing him to six. With only 12 points allowed over a 12-month period before triggering a one-race ban, Verstappen is now halfway to the threshold, and his aggressive driving could put him in danger of suspension if further penalties are accrued. This rule, introduced by the FIA in 2014, aims to encourage safer driving by penalizing reckless behavior.
Verstappen’s main championship rival, Norris, was awarded a podium in Mexico, closing the gap between them to 47 points. As the season heads into its final races, this reduced margin could intensify their rivalry and make every decision critical. While Verstappen’s championship lead remains intact, his risk of accruing more penalty points could influence Red Bull’s approach to future races as they seek to avoid any scenarios that might lead to a ban.
Kevin Magnussen of Haas was the first driver to face a ban due to penalty points this season, setting a precedent for the severity of the rule’s enforcement. Verstappen now trails only Fernando Alonso, who leads the current standings with eight points on his license, while other drivers remain below this threshold.
With penalties and potential bans looming, Verstappen and Red Bull face a strategic challenge. They must balance maintaining a championship lead while avoiding further penalties that could alter Verstappen’s availability in future races, placing increased scrutiny on every on-track decision.
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