initially appeared on .
Max Verstappen is getting ready to an unprecedented setback after his penalty factors whole surged to 11, only one away from triggering a race ban beneath F1 rules.
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The reigning world champion three penalty factors for his late-race collision with George Russell on the Spanish Grand Prix, the place he appeared to veer into the Mercedes driver throughout a tense battle.
The stewards deemed the Dutchman predominantly at fault for the contact, which was described by Russell as one thing extra suited to “simulator video games and go-karting.”
This brings Verstappen’s whole to 11 penalty factors inside a rolling 12-month interval. Below FIA guidelines, any driver who accumulates 12 factors in that timeframe faces an automated one-race suspension, one thing no top-tier title contender has come near in recent times.
Max Verstappen throughout previews forward of the Saudi Arabian GP.Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Photographs
With the Canadian GP simply days away, the stress is sky-high. Verstappen is now beneath intense scrutiny, realizing that even a minor on-track infringement may see him sidelined.
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The scenario has ignited debate throughout the paddock, with drivers and consultants questioning whether or not Verstappen’s aggressive type is crossing the road.
Including to the drama, Verstappen dismissed the incident when questioned by media post-race saying, “Does it matter? — a remark that did little to chill tensions.
Because the championship battle heats up, Verstappen isn’t simply combating his rivals on observe—he’s racing in opposition to the rulebook itself.
This story was initially reported by on Jun 1, 2025, the place it first appeared.
