Breaking: Max Verstappen Faces Race BAN as FIA Issues New Pe…read more

Max Verstappen Nearing Race Ban as FIA Issues New Penalty After Spanish Grand Prix

Max Verstappen is on the brink of a Formula 1 race suspension after receiving a fresh penalty from the FIA in the aftermath of the Spanish Grand Prix.

The Red Bull driver was sanctioned for a late-race collision with George Russell of Mercedes. Although both drivers finished the race—Verstappen in fourth and Russell in fifth—the stewards ruled Verstappen responsible for the incident, dropping him to 10th place with a 10-second time penalty. He was also issued three penalty points on his FIA superlicence.

The additional points bring Verstappen’s total to 11 within the past 12 months—just one point short of the 12-point limit that results in an automatic one-race ban under FIA rules.

Verstappen’s Penalty Point History:

Superlicence Penalty Point Leaders:

Verstappen is now walking a tightrope ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix, where any additional penalty—however minor—could lead to a one-race suspension.

This latest blow comes after a disappointing weekend in Barcelona, where he secured just one championship point. A recent FIA technical directive aimed at reducing McLaren’s advantage had little effect, and Verstappen’s already narrow title hopes took another hit.

With the pressure mounting, the spotlight is firmly on Verstappen to maintain a clean record in the races ahead—or risk a costly absence from the grid.

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Stephen Buffet

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