Breaking news:Max Verstappen addresses the looming threat of a race ban as his F1 p.....

Breaking news:Max Verstappen addresses the looming threat of a race ban as his F1 penalty points inch closer to the threshold…..readmore

Max Verstappen is facing the threat of a race ban as the penalty points on his super licence are closer to the allowed threshold. Amid the risk of facing a one-race ban, the Dutchman appeared defiant as he refused to tweak his driving style for the 2025 season.

FIA stewards were significantly strict in the 2024 season amid a cutthroat battle between championship rivals. Verstappen faced over six penalties for separate incidents throughout the year. In Australia, he was penalized for causing a collision with Lando Norris.

In Mexico, Verstappen was accused of running Norris off the track. Furthermore, in Qatar, the Dutchman received a controversial grid penalty for driving slowly in a cooldown lap. A dual 10-second penalty in Brazil also stirred a debate as the four-time champions faced flak from the fans and pundits.

Meanwhile, Verstappen had been docked eight penalty points on his super license, and only Fernando Alonso has that many points amongst the current drivers. According to the FIA rulebook, a total of 12 penalty points within a 12-month period will result in a race ban.

Max Verstappen faces greater risk as his 12-month period won’t expire until June 2025. He talked about this topic during his interview with Blick and said:

“Well, we could discuss some of the penalties and the points for hours. Like Alonso, I already have eight penalty points. But that won’t change my driving style. I won’t change my driving style because of that. I know when I’ve gone too far. Like in the finale in Abu Dhabi when I attacked Piastri at the start. I had no problem apologizing to the Australian after the race.”

Verstappen faced a lot of criticism for his aggressive driving, especially with his direct championship rival, Lando Norris. However, the Dutch driver defended himself, saying he doesn’t regret any move as winning was his top priority.

Max Verstappen is a four-time world champion and has achieved a lot of glory in a short span. However, he does not wish to keep racing for the rest of his life. He wants to enjoy his life to the fullest, as he recognizes that during his 40s, his body will start declining.

Talking to F1.com, he said:

“I know I can’t do it forever. I love racing, competing at the highest level with so many incredible drivers, but there will be a day when I want to relax a bit more. You only live once.”

“When you’re at the end of your 30s, early 40s, your body is naturally declining a bit. Of course I can spend that in F1, but I also want to do other stuff. I want to maximize my lifetime on this planet. There are so many more things I want to do in life, have a bit of fun, and catch up with my family,” he added.

Max Verstappen’s present contract with Red Bull runs through the 2028 F1 season when he will turn 31.

Stay tuned for more updates