GPDA President Asserts Max Verstappen Ready to Face ‘Consequences’ of Race Ban

GPDA Chairperson Alex Wurz remains confident that Max Verstappen would be willing to face the risk of a race ban this weekend in Montreal.

GPDA President Asserts Max Verstappen Ready to Face ‘Consequences’ of Race Ban

Max Verstappen and Gianpiero Lambiase (via Red Bull Content Pool)

Max Verstappen remains the talk of the paddock as Formula 1 heads to Canada this weekend. After a controversial incident at the Spanish GP, Verstappen is at risk of facing a race ban. Now, Grand Prix Drivers’ Association Chairperson Alex Wurz has asserted that the Red Bull star would be ready to face such a fate if necessary.

During the Spanish GP in Barcelona, Max Verstappen collided with George Russell while he was trying to swap positions with the Mercedes driver. This incident was met with widespread criticism with some calling for Verstappen to be disqualified from the race. Though, the reigning world champion denied all claims of intentionally crashing into the Mercedes. He was given three penalty points, which made him just one point short of a race ban.

Alex Wurz reckoned that the Canadian GP this weekend might be extremely dull if Max Verstappen tries to stay out of trouble to not miss the following race in Austria. The GPDA chief pointed out that the 27-year-old will not want to miss Red Bull’s home race, and might try to avoid any incidents this weekend. However, if things did escalate, Verstappen would not be afraid of pushing himself and facing consequences even if that was a race ban.

I haven’t even considered that. Then I’m just hoping that Montreal will be a dull race because of Max! No, seriously, I think he already has that in mind, but he’ll start out with his elbows tucked in if the situation calls for it, but he’ll pull them out again and bear the consequences.

Alex Wurz told Krone Zeitung

F1 needs Max Verstappen at Austrian GP

The Austrian GP is an important weekend, not only for Red Bull, but even for Max Verstappen. The Spielberg weekend is the home race for the energy drinks giant, which takes place at their own track, the Red Bull Ring. Moreover, the grandstands are covered in a sea of orange, as Dutch fans travel to Austria to cheer for Max Verstappen. This has become a tradition ever since the 27-year-old made his F1 debut.

Max Verstappen booed at the F1 75 live event (via Red Bull)
Max Verstappen booed at the F1 75 live event (via Red Bull)

Alex Wurz claimed that Max Verstappen was a clever and tough driver. The Dutchman knew exactly how to handle challenging situations, no matter how difficult it might seem at first. Additionally, Wurz made it clear that the sport needs to have Verstappen race at the Red Bull Ring.

Nevertheless, Max is such a tough guy, smart enough to know how to handle such a challenging situation. We all need Max and want to see him in Spielberg!

Alex Wurz noted

Certainly, it would be an embarrassment for Red Bull and F1 if Max Verstappen is forced to sit out of the Austrian GP, as its star driver would miss the team’s home race. Thus, it is likely that the 27-year-old will try to keep his head cool this weekend in Montreal, and potentially stay away from any trouble ahead. However, it remains to be seen if Verstappen can leave Canada without being involved in another controversy.

Read More: Ex-F1 Driver Advises Max Verstappen to Push Limits at Canadian GP Despite Race Ban Risk