FIA confirmed Eight-Race F1 Ban following max Verstappen sus..

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

Max Verstappen is one penalty point away from a race ban, a scenario that may appear damaging for the four-time world champion. However, if he does face a suspension in the 2025 Formula 1 season, Verstappen would be joining a distinguished list of past F1 icons who have faced similar setbacks — including legends like Michael Schumacher, Nigel Mansell, and Mika Hakkinen.

The Dutch driver currently holds 11 penalty points on his FIA Super Licence. A single additional point — which could come during the Canadian or Austrian Grand Prix — would trigger an automatic one-race suspension. Red Bull will be under pressure to keep Verstappen on his best behavior for the upcoming races. But does a race ban automatically spell the end of a title campaign? History suggests otherwise.

Several former F1 champions have served race bans and still gone on to achieve remarkable results. Here’s a closer look at the eight drivers who have received race bans from 1978 to the present — each for different reasons, ranging from reckless driving to unfortunate team errors. This list reveals that the ambition to win can sometimes push even the greatest drivers beyond the limits of the rules.

Michael Schumacher (1994)

In 1994, Schumacher was banned for two races following an incident at the British Grand Prix. He passed Damon Hill during the formation lap, earning a five-second stop-go penalty. However, his Benetton team instructed him to ignore the penalty as they filed an appeal. Despite being shown the black flag — which signals disqualification — Schumacher returned to the pits to serve the original penalty instead. As a result, he was disqualified from the race and handed a two-race ban. Nonetheless, he still went on to win the world championship that season — an encouraging precedent for Verstappen.

Nigel Mansell (1989)

Mansell’s ban came after a chaotic Portuguese Grand Prix. After overshooting his pit box, he reversed into his crew and was shown the black flag. Ignoring it, he rejoined the race and attempted a bold overtake on Ayrton Senna, leading to a crash that took both drivers out. The FIA handed Mansell a one-race ban and a hefty $50,000 fine. His suspension was served at the Spanish Grand Prix.

Mika Hakkinen (1994)

Hakkinen initially received a suspended race ban after a collision with Rubens Barrichello at Silverstone. But at the very next race in Germany, he was involved in a massive first-corner crash after tangling with David Coulthard. As a result, the suspension was activated, and he was forced to sit out the next Grand Prix.

Jacques Villeneuve (1997)

Villeneuve, who would go on to win the 1997 title, received a race ban after repeatedly ignoring yellow flags — a safety violation. During practice for the Japanese Grand Prix, he failed to slow down under yellow conditions, marking his fourth such offense. He was banned from the race, although Williams appealed the decision and he competed anyway. The appeal was later rejected, and Villeneuve was stripped of the two points he had earned for finishing fifth.

Eddie Irvine (1994)

Irvine’s penalty was one of the most severe. Following a four-car crash at the Brazilian Grand Prix — where he pushed Jos Verstappen off track, triggering a chain reaction — he received a one-race ban. However, Jordan appealed the decision, only for the FIA to respond by increasing the penalty to a three-race ban. Irvine missed the Pacific, San Marino, and Monaco Grands Prix as a result.

Kevin Magnussen (2024)

The most recent addition to the list, Magnussen was banned after reaching 12 penalty points within 12 months, the maximum allowed under FIA rules. His final two points came from a collision with Pierre Gasly at the Italian Grand Prix. He missed the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in 2024 and was replaced by Ollie Bearman.

Romain Grosjean (2012)

At the 2012 Belgian Grand Prix, Grosjean caused a dramatic first-lap crash involving Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso. His Lotus went airborne, creating a dangerous pile-up. Deemed responsible, Grosjean was suspended for the next race in Italy, where reserve driver Jerome d’Ambrosio filled in.

Riccardo Patrese (1978)

Patrese’s ban came under tragic circumstances at the Italian Grand Prix. A crash that involved James Hunt led to Ronnie Peterson’s car hitting the barriers and catching fire. Though Patrese was initially blamed, further investigation later cleared him of responsibility. Still, under pressure from fellow drivers, he was banned from competing in the next race in the U.S.

While Verstappen’s situation may seem perilous, these stories highlight how even elite drivers have stumbled — and often recovered to reach the top once more. A race ban might be a temporary setback, but it does

n’t necessarily derail a championship campaign.