George Russell Asserts Max Verstappen Won’t Change Driving Style over Race Ban Threat at Canadian GP

George Russell is confident that Max Verstappen will continue to be aggressive on-track despite the looming threat of a race ban in Canada.

George Russell Asserts Max Verstappen Won’t Change Driving Style over Race Ban Threat at Canadian GP

Max Verstappen and George Russell (via Red Bull Content Pool)

Max Verstappen will be the driver to watch closely at the Canadian GP as he nears a one-race ban after accumulating 11 penalty points out of the limit of 12 points. The Dutchman’s antics against George Russell at the Spanish GP granted him three points over a controversial incident. Now, even Russell takes a dig at the reigning world champion for not mending his ways despite facing such dire situations.

Max Verstappen had clearly asserted that he wouldn’t change his driving style just because of the risk of facing a one-race ban. Moreover, the Dutchman got irritated by the continuous questioning regarding the matter and lashed out at the media at the Canadian GP. Now, as George Russell and Verstappen share the front row of the grid, the former sympathizes with the four-time champion’s driving style.

George Russell has pole position right ahead of Max Verstappen, as he will have to be extremely careful heading into Turn 1. The Briton acknowledges this threat and points out that Verstappen is one of the best drivers in the history of Formula 1. As such, the reigning world champion did not need to race any differently than what he is used to.

Max is one of the best drivers, there’s no reason for him to race any differently.

George Russell said in a Canadian GP Press Conference

Russell even accepted that he did not think about Verstappen giving him room to maintain his position easily into the first turn. If anything, the Dutchman would race even harder now just to prove his racing mettle and how he can avoid facing a one-race ban despite his controversial driving tactics. So, the Silver Arrow would need a grand start as soon as the light goes out to ensure his lead in the Canadian GP.

I’m not here thinking he’s gonna give us more room- if anything, probably the opposite, to try and prove a point.

George Russell added

George Russell asserts Max Verstappen’s potential race ban ‘not end of the world’

Max Verstappen has noted numerous times that he doesn’t fear a one-race ban as it would only give him more time to spend with his family. Still, as a precaution, Red Bull has demanded that the Dutchman not make any crazy moves just to cause a penalty. Now, as the grid prepares for the main event, George Russell reckons that it wouldn’t be the end of the world even if the 27-year-old got a penalty.

Max Verstappen (via Red Bull Content Pool)
Max Verstappen (via Red Bull Content Pool)

Russell pointed out that the 2025 season is as busy as it gets. As such, getting a race ban for a single race wouldn’t be much of a hassle for any of the drivers. The Briton insisted that Max Verstappen would spend more time at home, which isn’t ideal, but isn’t the end of the world either. Moreover, Verstappen’s newborn daughter Lily wouldn’t mind her father being home for one week extra, owing to the race ban.

It’s a busy season, and if you get a race ban, you get a race ban! You spend some time at home, it’s not ideal, but its not the end of the world.

George Russell noted

The 2025 season has peaked in competition and entertainment due to such circumstances. The McLarens, who remain the team to beat, seem to have taken a hit at the Canadian GP as they do not occupy the front row. Now, it is up to Verstappen and Russell to keep the Papaya Squad at bay and compete with one another for the race win. Both drivers are just 26 points away from one another as they prepare to fight with full force in the coming race weekends.

Read More: Max Verstappen Hits out at ‘Childish and Annoying’ Penalty Points Fiasco at Canadian GP