F1 Penalty Points: Verstappen Gets Major Title Boost as Penalty Points Drop Before Brazilian Grand Prix
Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has received a much-needed boost in his pursuit of the 2025 drivers’ championship after a crucial update to his penalty points tally. The Dutchman, who has been walking a fine line for much of the season, will see three penalty points removed from his superlicence before the upcoming Brazilian Grand Prix, dramatically reducing the risk of a potential race ban that could have derailed his title bid.
For months, Verstappen has been sitting uncomfortably close to the 12-point threshold that triggers an automatic one-race suspension. At one point, he accumulated as many as 11 penalty points, putting him just a single infraction away from being sidelined. However, his total has now dropped to six points, providing much-needed relief for both the Red Bull Racing team and his championship aspirations.
The timing couldn’t be better. Verstappen recently secured his sixth consecutive podium finish, closing the gap in the championship standings to 36 points behind the current leader. The reduction in penalty points gives him renewed confidence heading into Brazil — a circuit where he dominated last season, nearly sealing the championship with a commanding victory.
Had the points not expired before São Paulo, Verstappen’s chances of clinching a fifth world title could have been severely compromised. A potential race ban during a Sprint weekend, where additional points are on offer, might have been catastrophic to his campaign, particularly with both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri keeping the pressure on in their resurgent McLaren cars.
Fortunately for Verstappen, that threat has now all but disappeared. The points expiring were tied to earlier incidents, including driving unnecessarily slowly during qualifying at the 2024 Qatar Grand Prix, causing a collision with Oscar Piastri at Abu Dhabi, and another collision with George Russell at the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix. The expiry of three of those points lowers his total risk significantly — meaning Verstappen can now fully focus on racing rather than the looming fear of suspension.
The latest update to the F1 Penalty Points Register also affects several other top drivers. McLaren’s Oscar Piastri will drop to four penalty points after two of his expire before the Brazilian GP, slightly easing his own risk level. Elsewhere, Lando Norris remains on three points, Lewis Hamilton carries two, and Charles Leclerc just one — showing how relatively disciplined the front runners have been this season despite intense competition.
The full penalty points list paints an interesting picture across the grid. Ollie Bearman of Haas currently holds the highest total at eight points, primarily from red flag violations during the Monaco, British, and Italian Grands Prix. Behind him, Verstappen and Liam Lawson both sit on six, while Lance Stroll and rookie Kimi Antonelli each have five. Other notable names include Carlos Sainz, Alex Albon, Yuki Tsunoda, and Jack Doohan, all sitting at four points apiece.
The FIA’s penalty points system has often been a point of contention among drivers. Points remain active for 12 months from the date of the offence and accumulate based on infractions ranging from minor track limit breaches to major collisions. Reaching 12 points within a 12-month period automatically triggers a one-race suspension — a rule designed to discourage reckless driving and promote safety.
For Verstappen, this system has been a looming concern for much of 2025. After several aggressive on-track incidents earlier in the year, questions arose over whether his trademark fighting style could cost him dearly. But this latest reprieve means the Dutchman can approach the final rounds of the season with renewed aggression and confidence — a dangerous prospect for his rivals.
With only a handful of races remaining and momentum shifting his way, Verstappen is once again within striking distance of the championship lead. Brazil has historically been a strong venue for the Red Bull star — he’s claimed multiple victories there, often in dominant fashion. His recent form, combined with the fresh reduction in penalty risk, has fans and analysts predicting a late-season surge.
Meanwhile, the McLaren duo of Norris and Piastri remain the primary challengers. Both drivers have displayed exceptional pace throughout the campaign, keeping the title fight alive and adding tension to what’s shaping up to be one of the most thrilling finales in years. However, with Verstappen’s clean slate and Red Bull’s strategic sharpness, the Dutchman’s quest for a fifth world title suddenly looks far more achievable.
As the Formula 1 circus heads to Interlagos, all eyes will be on Verstappen — not only to see whether he can close the gap to the McLarens but also to witness how he capitalizes on this newfound freedom from disciplinary pressure. The championship fight is heating up once again, and with the points balance shifting in his favor, Max Verstappen may have just been handed the lifeline he needed to reignite his title charge.
