Max Verstappen is a four-time Formula 1 world champion driver. The Dutch sensation has become synonymous with modern Formula 1 dominance. At just 27, he’s already the face of the Red Bull F1 team, renowned for his aggressive racing style and relentless victory. However, for the 2025 season, things are not in Red Bull’s court. Verstappen is now in 4th in the drivers' standings and is on the verge of a significant career setback.
He currently has 11 penalty points on his FIA Super Licence, one point less than the 12-point threshold that would result in an automatic one-race ban as per the rules of the FIA. Verstappen and his team, Red Bull, have struggled to match the pace of McLaren, with Oscar Piastri leading the championship by 49 points since his last penalty scored in the Spanish Grand Prix.
Recent incidents that led to Max Verstappen's possible F1 race ban in 2025
The 2025 F1 season has been very challenging for Max Verstappen. His car is struggling to find a pace on the track, and he is also involved in several irrelevant incidents. During the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix, he collided with George Russell, resulting in a 10-second time penalty and three penalty points. The FIA official awarded points for misleading the rules of overtaking and gave him a 10-second penalty, bringing his total to 11 points. With 11 penalty points in his career, he is one race away from a ban this season.
As per reports by the race, the previous weekend at the Canadian Grand Prix, Verstappen potentially overtook Russell under a safety car. To overtake an F1 car under a safety car is prohibited by FIA regulations. Red Bull strongly protested against this decision. Christian Horner stated that George Russell's subtle braking was deliberate, aiming to provoke Verstappen into an illegal overtake. However, the stewards dismissed the complaint, finding no wrong braking done on Russell's part.
What if Max Verstappen is banned from an F1 race?
As per the reports by FIA, if Max Verstappen receives a 12th penalty point, he might get a possible one F1 race ban in 2025. Then Red Bull would need to find a replacement driver for Max Verstappen in the respective race ban. In the past, we have seen similar race ban scenarios. In 2024, Kevin Magnussen was given a one-F1-race ban, and Oliver Bearman stepped into his F1 car as a replacement driver.
The ban would also serve as a serious warning to all drivers about the consequences of repeated rule breaches, reinforcing the FIA’s commitment to safety and discipline on the track. Whether you are a rookie or a world champion, the rules are the same for everyone.
What’s Ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix?
As the Austrian Grand Prix is approaching, Verstappen might face critical circumstances this season. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner stated that the FIA is playing some trickery to give a potential race ban to Verstappen. A race ban would not only stop his chase for a fifth consecutive World Championship but also disrupt Red Bull's momentum in the Constructors' Championship.
FAQs:
Why was Max Verstappen penalized?
Max Verstappen was penalized because he moved George Russell off the track while chasing at the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix.
How many penalty points did Max Verstappen receive at the Spanish Grand Prix?
Max Verstappen received a three-point penalty at the Spanish Grand Prix.
What is a race ban in F1?
A race ban in F1 is a regulation where any driver who has at least 12 penalty points in a Grand Prix season will immediately enforce an automatic race ban for the next GP.
How many penalty points did Max Verstappen get in 2025?
Max Verstappen got a total of 11 penalty points in 2025.
