Breaking: Max Verstappen Face Possible Race BAN as FIA Issue additional P…read more
Max Verstappen at Risk of Race Ban After Collision Penalty in Spanish Grand Prix
Max Verstappen is now on the verge of receiving a race ban following a controversial incident at the Spanish Grand Prix that could have significant implications for the rest of his season. The Red Bull Racing driver was hit with a 10-second time penalty and three penalty points on his FIA superlicence after a late-race collision with Mercedes driver George Russell.
The clash occurred in the final stages of the race, with Verstappen making contact with the side of Russell’s car while attempting an aggressive move. Although neither driver sustained terminal damage and both managed to finish the race—Russell in fourth and Verstappen in fifth—the stewards reviewed the incident and concluded Verstappen was at fault. As a result, the Dutchman was handed the time penalty, which dropped him down the order to 10th place by the end of the race.
More importantly, the three penalty points bring Verstappen’s total to 11 within the current 12-month rolling window. FIA rules state that if a driver accumulates 12 points in that timeframe, they will be automatically handed a one-race suspension. That means Verstappen is now just a single penalty point away from facing a race ban. With the Canadian and Austrian Grands Prix coming up next, any additional infringement could trigger the automatic penalty.
This latest setback has dealt a major blow to Verstappen’s already fading hopes of mounting a serious challenge for the 2025 Drivers’ Championship. The Spanish Grand Prix saw him collect just a single point due to his demotion, and rivals are beginning to pull away in the standings. Compounding Red Bull’s frustration is the recent introduction of a new technical directive focused on regulating front wing flexibility—a move that many believed would hinder the performance of leading teams like McLaren. However, the directive appeared to have little impact, and Verstappen’s team found no competitive edge in its wake.
The pressure is now on Verstappen and Red Bull to proceed with extreme caution. With the FIA unlikely to show leniency over further rule breaches, Verstappen must avoid even the smallest incident that could result in another penalty point. As the season intensifies, all eyes will be on how the Dutchman navigates this critical phase—with a potential suspension looming dangerously close.
About The Author
