BREAKING: Max Verstappen Facing Race BAN as FIA Issue Additional Penalty Due to …read more
Max Verstappen Facing Race BAN as FIA Issue Additional Penalty Due to …read more
In a dramatic turn of events at the Spanish Grand Prix, Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen is now facing the very real threat of a race ban, following an additional penalty handed down by the FIA due to his controversial collision with Mercedes driver George Russell.
The incident unfolded during a tense late-race safety car restart when Verstappen, under pressure and having been instructed to yield position, made contact with Russell’s car. The FIA stewards quickly launched an investigation and found Verstappen “predominantly to blame” for the clash, handing him a 10-second time penalty and, more significantly, adding three penalty points to his Super Licence.
This development brings Verstappen’s total to 11 points—just one shy of the 12-point threshold that would trigger an automatic one-race ban under current FIA regulations. With no points set to expire until the end of June, Verstappen must now drive with extreme caution in the next few Grands Prix, including Canada and Austria.
The reaction within the F1 paddock has been swift and critical. George Russell called the move “reckless,” while former world champion Nico Rosberg urged the FIA to consider stricter disciplinary action, noting that Verstappen’s growing list of aggressive on-track behaviors is becoming “a serious concern for safety and fairness.”
Red Bull Racing has not formally appealed the decision, and Verstappen himself appeared unfazed in post-race interviews, stating, “I race hard, and I won’t apologize for that. The stewards made their call, and we move on.”
However, fans and pundits are now watching closely. Should Verstappen commit even a minor infringement in the coming races, he could be suspended for one Grand Prix — a significant blow to his title defense, especially as McLaren’s Oscar Piastri continues to lead the championship by 49 points.
As the season heats up, Verstappen’s fate may now hinge not only on speed but on staying clear of further controversy. One more misstep, and the reigning champ could find himself sidelined.
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