Max Verstappen Gives Blatant Response over F1 Race Ban Threat at Canadian GP

Max Verstappen declared that he wouldn't change any aspect of his driving style despite being on the cusp of a race ban in F1.

Max Verstappen Gives Blatant Response over F1 Race Ban Threat at Canadian GP

Max Verstappen (image via XPB images)

Max Verstappen has continued to remain at the center of the spotlight due to various reasons. Primarily, the Dutchman fears a one-race ban as he has accumulated eleven penalty points, and any more points would grant him the ban. Now, despite facing a difficult situation, Verstappen has refused to back down or change his driving style so as to not receive a race ban.

Max Verstappen‘s controversial move against George Russell at the Spanish GP earned him three penalty points, bringing his tally to eleven. While many people have warned Verstappen about his driving style, the Dutchman refuses to change. Notably, two penalty points are set to expire by the end of June, as Verstappen would have to remain extremely cautious until then.

Red Bull has already asked Verstappen not to take any undue risks and incur a penalty. Receiving a race ban at this point in the 2025 season would take a massive hit in his running of the drivers’ championship. The four-time champion is already over 49 points adrift of the lead in the drivers’ title against McLaren’s Oscar Piastri. Still, the reigning world champion clearly states that he won’t withdraw from any duels on the track due to the fear of being penalized.

Max Verstappen noted that he had eight penalty points, which just became eleven as it didn’t matter to him anymore. The Dutchman asserted that he had his own racing style that he wasn’t going to change just because of a penalty or a race ban. The 27-year-old insisted that he trusted his driving skills and instinct as he aims to steer clear of a race ban in the coming races. Regardless of his own belief, Verstappen will also have to rely on the rivals to give him an easy time on the track and not force him to make mistakes.

I had eight penalty points, now there are eleven. Well… I can’t just withdraw from every duel on the track. I race the way I want to race, and I’m not going to change anything. I trust myself.

Max Verstappen told De Telegraaf

George Russell labels Max Verstappen a ‘GOAT’ despite personal feud

George Russell and Max Verstappen aren’t the greatest of friends, as apparent from their multiple heated back-and-forths on the track. Russell hasn’t hesitated to speak ill of Verstappen during any serious incidents. However, amidst rumors of the Dutchman making a move to Mercedes, the Silver Arrow has labeled the 27-year-old as the GOAT.

Max Verstappen and George Russell (via Red Bull Content Pool)
Max Verstappen and George Russell in a media press conference (image via Red Bull Content Pool)

Russell reckoned that it was understandable that every team on the grid, including Mercedes, wanted to pounce on the opportunity to sign Max Verstappen. The Briton questioned why the latter wouldn’t be on the list, as his performances spoke for themselves. Moreover, the Mercedes star reckoned that Verstappen was one of the GOATs, as the craze behind acquiring him was understandable.

It is understandable that drivers like Max are on the radar, because yes, why wouldn’t he be on the radar? He is one of the GOATs, and I understand that.

George Russell told Motorsport.com

Max Verstappen has kept up with his impressive performances despite facing such a difficult time with Red Bull. While Verstappen has declared his loyalty to the team on various occasions, he might still consider his options if things get too ugly soon. For now, the 27-year-old will simply focus on driving error-free and maximizing points available over the race weekend.

Also Read: Helmut Marko Declares Max Verstappen ‘Really Relaxed’ Amid Race Ban Threat