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Verstappen hints at RACE BAN after FIA punishment
Max Verstappen has hinted he might not be too concerned about accumulating more penalty points on his license at the start of next season, potentially leading to a race ban.
The four-time Formula 1 world champion received a 10-second time penalty and additional penalty points during the chaotic Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after colliding with McLaren’s Oscar Piastri at turn one.
This incident brought his total penalty points to eight, edging him closer to the 12-point threshold that triggers an automatic one-race ban.
Penalty points remain on a driver’s record for 12 months and do not reset at the end of the season.
This leaves Verstappen starting the 2025 season just four points shy of a ban, with no points set to expire until late June.
By that time, around 10 races will have already taken place.
Despite this precarious position, Verstappen appeared unconcerned when addressing the issue after the race.
Speaking to journalist Erik van Haren of De Telegraaf, he joked about timing a potential race ban with the birth of his first child, saying, “Maybe I’ll make sure I get to 12 points when the baby is born. Then I can go on paternity leave.”
This lighthearted comment came shortly after Verstappen and his partner Kelly Piquet announced they are expecting their first child together.
Sharing their joy on Instagram, the couple wrote, “Mini Verstappen-Piquet on the way ❤️. We couldn’t be happier with our little miracle 💫.”
The penalty points system, which saw Kevin Magnussen serve a race ban earlier this year for Haas, is designed to penalize drivers for repeated or severe infractions.
Verstappen’s current tally highlights the risk of a ban early in the 2025 season if he continues to incur penalties.
However, his relaxed demeanor suggests he isn’t overly worried about the situation, even jokingly considering the timing of his absence from the grid.
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