Breaking: FIA confirmed Eight-Race F1 Ban following max Verstappen sus…red more 

FIA confirmed Eight-Race F1 Ban following max Verstappen sus…red more 

Max Verstappen, the reigning four-time Formula 1 World Champion, is currently just one penalty point away from serving a race ban — a potentially dramatic twist in the 2025 F1 season. With the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) confirming that drivers who accumulate 12 penalty points within a 12-month period automatically receive a one-race suspension, Verstappen’s situation has garnered significant attention across the F1 paddock and among fans.

The Dutch driver has amassed 11 penalty points on his FIA Super Licence — an unusually high number for any driver, let alone a world champion known for his typically dominant and calculated performances. With upcoming races including the Canadian and Austrian Grands Prix, Verstappen is treading on thin ice. Even a minor on-track incident, such as impeding another driver during qualifying or exceeding track limits, could be enough to add that one critical point and trigger a ban.

While the idea of Verstappen missing a race may sound shocking, it would not be without precedent in Formula 1 history. Some of the sport’s all-time greats have experienced suspensions during their careers. Michael Schumacher, Nigel Mansell, and Mika Häkkinen are among the notable drivers who have faced race bans for various infractions. If Verstappen were to receive a ban, he would join this list of legendary names — a reminder that even the best are not immune to disciplinary action.

The pressure now shifts to Red Bull Racing, which must work to ensure its star driver stays within the boundaries of the FIA’s regulations. Team strategists and engineers will need to be especially cautious during upcoming race weekends, coaching Verstappen to avoid risky situations that could result in contact, rule breaches, or other infractions that the stewards may penalize. Given that Verstappen is often at the heart of intense battles at the front of the grid, navigating the next few races without incident will be no easy task.

It’s worth noting that penalty points remain on a driver’s record for 12 months from the date of the infraction. This means that Verstappen’s earliest penalty points from mid-2024 will soon begin to expire — but whether that happens before he earns one more point remains to be seen. The situation adds a layer of tension to every move he makes on track in the near future.

If a suspension does occur, it could significantly alter the dynamics of the championship battle. Verstappen has been the dominant force in recent seasons, and a missed race could offer his rivals a rare opportunity to capitalize. It would also raise questions about who might replace him in the Red Bull cockpit for the duration of the ban — with the team likely calling upon reserve driver Liam Lawson or possibly Daniel Ricciardo, depending on the team’s circumstances at the time.

All eyes will now be on Verstappen as the season progresses. Can he maintain his composure and avoid further penalties, or will the stewards’ scrutiny push him into a rare — and highly public — absence from the grid?