Verstappen refuses to adjust driving style despite possible ban

In 2024, Verstappen accumulated quite a few penalty points on his licence in the closing stages of the F1 season. Of course, some penalties were more justified than others, but Verstappen meanwhile stands at eight penalty points. At 12 penalty points, Max would be suspended for one race, as happened to Kevin Magnussen in 2024. Only at the end of June, Verstappen's first penalty points expire, meaning he should not incur more than three penalties for the first 11 Grands Prix.

Verstappen in conflict with FIA

Verstappen was regularly at odds with the FIA last year. For instance, the Red Bull Racing driver was given community service for using the word 'fucked' in the press conference and received a one-place grid penalty in Qatar. After the punishments, however, Verstappen often seemed even more motivated to perform, resulting in great races in Brazil and Qatar. Shouldn't the FIA punish him more often? "Well, we could discuss some of the penalties and the points here for hours. Now, like Alonso, I already have eight penalty points. But that doesn't mean I'm going to change my driving style," Verstappen told Blick.

"I'm not going to change my driving style because of this. I know when I've gone too far, like in the final [race] in Abu Dhabi. There I attacked Piastri at the start. Then I also have no problem apologising after the race."

Should Verstappen still receive a suspension, he had a good solution for that. After all, the Dutchman is expecting their first child together with Kelly Piquet. Verstappen therefore revealed that he might take his suspension once the child is born, as a form of paternity leave.

This article was written in collaboration with Norberto Mujica

Want more Formula 1? Then follow GPblog on our various social media channels too!

X | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube