Red Bull’s Max Verstappen has hit back at media chatter regarding his potential race ban due to accumulating penalty points on his FIA Super Licence.
With 11 points on his record—just one shy of the 12-point limit that triggers a one-race suspension—the Dutch driver is under pressure to keep it clean at both the Canadian and Austrian Grands Prix.
Max Verstappen Furious Over Race Ban
Addressing the situation during the press conference ahead of the Canadian GP, Verstappen didn’t mince words. “I don’t need to hear it again, it’s really p****** me off,” he said. “You’re speaking about it on Thursday… It’s such a waste of time. It’s very childish. That’s why I also don’t want to say too much because it’s really annoying, this world that we live in.”
Verstappen’s recent incident with Mercedes driver George Russell at a previous race cost him three license points, pushing him dangerously close to a ban. Despite the mounting tension, Verstappen made it clear that his driving style would remain unchanged. “I’m not going to race any differently, there’s no reason for me to do that,” he stated.
Russell Jokes About Points
Russell, who edged Verstappen by just 0.16 seconds to grab pole position for Sunday’s race, appeared more relaxed about the situation.
He joked about having “a few more points on my licence to play with,” adding, “We’re mates, so it’s all good.”
Russell also commented on Verstappen’s attitude, suggesting the Red Bull driver wouldn’t be afraid to push limits. “He’s obviously got more to lose than I have but he’ll probably try and prove a point that he’s not scared of these penalty points,” Russell said.
Looking ahead to the race, Russell added, “If I make a good start and I’m leading by Turn 1 and if we’re the quickest, in theory you should drive off. But I know it’s not going to be as simple as that. But no, I’m not concerned about it.”
Saturday’s qualifying saw Russell take pole, followed by Verstappen and McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, who completed the top three.