Breaking: Verstappen handed early 2025 PENALTY after controversial Williams…read more
Max Verstappen Penalized After Controversial Sim Racing Incident During Winter Break
Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has received an early penalty ahead of the 2025 season following a contentious incident during a virtual race. The Red Bull star, fresh off his fourth consecutive F1 title in 2024, remains active during the off-season, competing in the 2024-25 GTP IMSA Global Esports Championship.
Despite Red Bull’s on-track challenges throughout 2024, Verstappen’s consistent performances secured him another championship. However, the 27-year-old faced criticism during the year for his fiery language, protest antics during press conferences, and a penchant for late-night sim racing. These controversies have not deterred his competitive spirit, as he recently entered the esports championship’s final round as a wildcard.
During the virtual race, Verstappen found himself at the center of a storm after attempting an ambitious move for the lead in his Acura. The Dutchman miscalculated the overtake, colliding with the championship-leading Williams. Both cars slid off the track but managed to continue racing. However, Verstappen was handed a drive-through penalty for causing the incident.
Reflecting on the crash, Verstappen admitted, “I just locked up the rears a bit, and in this car, it’s very hard to control that, so I went wide. Both cars suffered damage, so it made the first stint quite challenging. After we boxed, the car was almost fully repaired, and the pace improved.” He added that a later miscommunication with a backmarker caused further damage to his car.
Despite the setback, the Williams team recovered to finish in 10th place, which was sufficient to clinch the IMSA sim racing championship. Verstappen’s competitive nature, even in virtual racing, highlights his relentless drive to compete at the highest level.
As the 2025 F1 season approaches, Verstappen’s eagerness to return to the track is evident. His offseason activities, while controversial, underline his commitment to honing his skills and staying sharp. Fans of the Dutchman can celebrate his achievements by purchasing the exclusive “UNSTOPPABLE” F1 world champion hoodie, featuring chequered flag graphics and orange accents inspired by his Dutch heritage.
Verstappen’s focus now shifts back to preparing for another demanding F1 campaign as he aims to extend his dominance in the sport.
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