F1 REPORT: Max Verstappen Faces Potential RACE BAN as Penal...

Max Verstappen Faces Potential Race Ban as Penalty Points Accumulate Ahead of 2025 F1 Season

Red Bull driver and four-time Formula 1 world champion, Max Verstappen, has spoken about the possibility of facing a race ban after receiving a penalty during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The season-ending race saw a series of incidents, with multiple drivers being penalized by the FIA, the sport’s governing body. Verstappen, one of the drivers affected, was handed a 10-second time penalty for a first-lap collision with McLaren’s Oscar Piastri at the Yas Marina Circuit.

In addition to the time penalty, the FIA determined that Verstappen’s role in the incident warranted the addition of penalty points to his license. This decision has brought his total penalty points to eight, just four shy of the 12-point threshold that results in an automatic race ban.

According to the FIA’s rules, penalty points stay on a driver’s record for 12 months and do not reset at the end of the season. Verstappen’s eight points will remain on his license well into 2025, with no points due to expire until late June. This creates a challenging scenario for the Dutch driver, as he will need to navigate the first 10 races of the 2025 season carefully to avoid accumulating the four additional points that would trigger a race ban.

The threat of a race ban is not hypothetical. Earlier in the 2024 season, Haas driver Kevin Magnussen was subjected to the same rule and was banned from a race after reaching the 12-point limit. While Verstappen still has some margin, any further infractions over the next half-season could put him at risk.

Despite this, Verstappen appeared calm when asked about the situation after the Abu Dhabi race. Speaking to Dutch journalist Erik van Haren of De Telegraaf, Verstappen joked about the possibility of hitting the 12-point mark, saying, “Maybe I’ll make sure I get to 12 points when the baby is born. Then I can go on paternity leave.” His lighthearted response comes on the heels of exciting personal news, as Verstappen and his partner, Kelly Piquet, recently announced that they are expecting their first child together.

Verstappen’s comment reflects his relaxed attitude toward the potential ban, but his situation remains precarious. In Formula 1, penalty points can be awarded for various on-track incidents, from causing collisions to exceeding track limits, and even improper behavior during qualifying sessions. Given the competitive nature of the sport and the tight margins in racing, any minor error could add points to Verstappen’s tally, putting him on the verge of missing a race.

The prospect of Verstappen receiving a race ban would have significant implications not only for the driver but also for Red Bull’s chances in the constructors’ championship. Red Bull, having dominated much of the 2024 season, relies heavily on Verstappen’s performances. A race ban for their star driver could open the door for rivals such as Mercedes or Ferrari to close the gap in the standings.

As Verstappen prepares for the 2025 season, he will need to balance his aggressive driving style with the caution required to avoid further penalties. The first half of the upcoming season will be especially critical for him, as maintaining a clean record during this period is essential to avoid the risk of missing a race.

For now, Verstappen can focus on his off-season and prepare for the birth of his child, while also keeping a watchful eye on the points accumulated over the course of the previous year. As the 2025 season approaches, the spotlight will remain on whether the Dutchman can navigate the fine line between competitive driving and rule violations without facing the consequences of a race ban.