The world of Formula 1 often operates on the razor`s edge, both on track and off it. As teams and drivers converged in Montreal for the Canadian Grand Prix, one particular cloud hung over the reigning champion, Max Verstappen: his proximity to an unprecedented race ban.
Formula 1 employs a penalty point system on drivers` super licences. Accumulate 12 points within a rolling 12-month period, and the consequence is a mandatory one-race suspension. Max Verstappen currently sits precariously close to this threshold, holding 11 points. This places every maneuver and track limits infraction under intense scrutiny for the next two race weekends, as points awarded now won`t start expiring until after the Austrian Grand Prix.
The focus intensified following the recent Spanish Grand Prix. A late-race collision between Verstappen and Mercedes driver George Russell resulted in a 10-second time penalty for Verstappen, critically accompanied by three penalty points. Russell described the incident as something he had “never seen in F1,” highlighting the unusual nature of Verstappen`s defensive or attacking move.
Russell`s Candid View
Speaking to the media ahead of the Canadian race weekend, George Russell offered a frank assessment of Verstappen`s situation. He suggested that if Verstappen were to reach the 12-point mark and trigger a ban, it “wouldn`t be unjust.” Russell elaborated that the penalty point system exists specifically to manage and penalize persistent aggressive or reckless driving. According to him, reaching the limit is a direct consequence of a driver`s actions and inherent risks taken on track.
Russell recounted his perspective on the Barcelona clash, interpreting Verstappen`s move not necessarily as an attempt to intentionally crash, but rather to “run me off the road” or “scare me a bit.” He felt Verstappen “misjudged it,” adding that it was “surprising.” While a potentially race-ending incident was narrowly avoided for Russell, he noted with a touch of pragmatism (and perhaps relief) that Verstappen`s penalty ultimately “benefited” him, wryly suggesting he could almost be thankful. Russell did, however, express surprise that Verstappen took accountability for the incident afterwards.
Known for his aggressive driving style throughout his career, the question arises whether the threat of a ban will temper Verstappen`s approach. Russell seemed doubtful, suggesting that while circumstances matter, especially when “going for a championship,” Verstappen is unlikely to fundamentally change. Russell amusingly referenced Max`s father, Jos Verstappen, stating that Max was likely trying to “show who`s boss,” before adding, with characteristic British deadpan, “`Jos is the boss!`”. He affirmed his own intention to continue racing as he has been, citing the outcome in Spain as vindication of his approach.
Beyond the Track Tension
Despite the on-track skirmishes and pointed comments, Russell revealed a more mundane, relatable interaction with Verstappen away from the circuit. He recounted bumping into the Red Bull driver at the airport the Sunday after the Spanish race. Russell, on his way to attend the French Open tennis final, had a brief, casual chat with Verstappen, who was travelling with his newborn baby. Russell admitted the airport encounter was so normal, focused on the everyday task of folding a pram for security, that he had “totally forgot about Barcelona” in that moment. He also found Verstappen`s sarcastic offer of a tissue during the Spanish GP fallout “quite funny”.
While penalty points and potential bans add a layer of administrative intrigue to the championship narrative, they underscore the high stakes and tight margins in Formula 1. For Max Verstappen, the next two races represent a challenge not just of pace and performance, but also of discipline under pressure. One misstep could see the championship leader sidelined, a scenario George Russell believes would be a direct, and justified, consequence of the system at play.
Wesley Dunham 
Gilbert Pendleton