insists he’ll “handle the state of affairs” relating to the specter of a race ban within the first few months of the 2025 season.
The four-time world champion, after incidents in Austria, Mexico, Brazil, Qatar and Abu Dhabi final 12 months, has accrued eight penalty factors on his FIA tremendous licence.
A 12-point tally inside a 12-month interval triggers a race suspension, that means Verstappen should stroll a tightrope on the first 10 races of the 12 months earlier than June’s Austrian Grand Prix, when two factors will drop off.
But the driver insists he won’t change his aggressive racing type as he eyes 5 consecutive titles this 12 months.
When requested about whether or not the potential ban will have an effect on his racing method, Verstappen replied: “No, however I’ve been right here earlier than.
“I feel I’ve been on 9 or 10 [previously], so it’s all about simply managing that state of affairs.”
Aston Martin’s is the opposite driver liable to a race ban. The Spaniard additionally has eight factors on his licence, although three of those factors expire after race two in China.
Nico Hulkenberg and Lance Stroll are subsequent on the checklist, although each solely have 4 factors.
acquired in Azerbaijan final 12 months after choosing up 12 factors, with Ollie Bearman changing him at Haas.
Verstappen was additionally requested about his championship probabilities with Pink Bull this 12 months, after their once-dominant automotive dropped off in 2024 with McLaren and Ferrari ending forward of them within the constructors’ standings.
“We all know that we have now issues to work on with the automotive, and that’s what we’re doing,” he stated.
“I feel it’s good for the game,” he added, relating to a number of groups being in competition on the entrance. “Additionally, I feel, why the principles had been set like that.
“So I do hope that it’s thrilling and that we get a whole lot of totally different winners – groups, as effectively. That will be nice for the game.”
Pre-season takes place in Bahrain subsequent week, with the on 16 March.
