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Verstappen addresses RACE BAN after FIA punishment
Max Verstappen has addressed the prospect of a race ban following penalties imposed by the FIA at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The Red Bull driver received a 10-second time penalty for causing a first-lap collision with McLaren’s Oscar Piastri at Turn 1.
Additionally, the FIA assigned Verstappen two penalty points for the incident, raising his total from six to eight.
Under FIA regulations, drivers who accumulate 12 penalty points within a 12-month period face an automatic one-race ban.
Verstappen’s points will not reset until June 2025, leaving him just four points away from a potential suspension as the 2025 Formula 1 season begins.
With 10 races scheduled before any points drop off his record, Verstappen remains under scrutiny.
Despite the risk, the four-time world champion appeared unfazed when discussing the situation after the race.
Speaking to Erik van Haren of De Telegraaf, Verstappen joked, “Maybe I’ll make sure I get to 12 points when the baby is born. Then I can go on paternity leave.”
This light-hearted remark follows the recent announcement that Verstappen and his partner, Kelly Piquet, are expecting their first child.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix highlighted a chaotic end to the season, with multiple drivers penalized for on-track incidents.
Verstappen’s penalty situation mirrors that of Kevin Magnussen, who served a race ban earlier this year after accumulating 12 penalty points.
As Verstappen heads into the next season, the potential for a race ban adds an extra layer of pressure to his title defense.
His calm reaction, however, suggests he is confident in avoiding further infractions.
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