Verstappen on the Edge: One Point from Race Ban at… read more
Montreal, June 13, 2025 — Max Verstappen heads into the Canadian Grand Prix under intense pressure, facing the very real threat of a one-race suspension. The Red Bull driver currently sits at 11 penalty points on his super license—just one point short of the 12-point threshold that would trigger an automatic race ban.
Despite the looming danger, Verstappen has made it clear he won’t change his aggressive racing style. Speaking ahead of the weekend, the reigning world champion stated that backing off simply isn’t in his nature. He emphasized that his approach has brought him success, and he sees no reason to compromise that now.
The controversy stems from an incident at the Spanish Grand Prix, where Verstappen collided with George Russell in a late-race battle. He was handed a 10-second penalty and docked three points on his license, a decision that pushed him dangerously close to the limit. With those points remaining on his record until the end of June, Verstappen must now navigate both the Canadian and Austrian Grands Prix without incident.
In Montreal, the tension surrounding Verstappen has been palpable. Media sessions were filled with pointed questions about the incident in Spain, the pressure he’s facing, and whether he might take a more cautious approach during the race. His responses were calm but firm—he has no intention of dialing down the intensity that defines his racing persona.
While Verstappen is no stranger to controversy, this situation is unique. Never before has he been so close to missing a race due to penalty points. The situation has sparked debate within the paddock about the balance between competitive spirit and safe driving, with some suggesting that the penalty system may need revisiting.
Teammates and rivals alike are paying close attention. Some, including George Russell, have acknowledged Verstappen’s aggressive style as part of what makes him a formidable competitor, but they’ve also made it clear they won’t be giving him extra space on track. The battle lines are drawn.
Meanwhile, the championship picture continues to evolve. Verstappen currently trails McLaren’s Oscar Piastri in the driver standings and Red Bull finds itself under increasing pressure from both McLaren and Mercedes in the constructors’ fight. With McLaren’s recent upgrades showing promising results, every point matters now more than ever.
Despite the growing competition, Verstappen remains focused. He’s won in Canada three years in a row and believes a podium is still within reach. However, with wet weather possible and the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve notorious for its tight corners and slippery surface, the weekend poses multiple challenges.
As Sunday’s race approaches, all eyes are on Verstappen—not just for his performance, but for whether he can maintain discipline under the microscope. One small mistake could sideline him for Austria. For now, though, he remains undeterred.
“I’m here to race,” he said. “And that’s exactly what I’ll do.
