Verstappen Stays Resolute Ahead of Canadian Grand Prix Amid Penalty Concerns
Max Verstappen has affirmed that he will maintain his competitive racing style, undeterred by the looming threat of a race ban as he heads into the Canadian Grand Prix this weekend. The Dutchman recently accrued two penalty points following a collision with George Russell during the Spanish Grand Prix, bringing his total to 11 points on his superlicence over the past year.
Under Formula 1 regulations, a driver receives a race ban for amassing 12 penalty points within a rolling 12-month period. Since the system’s inception in 2014, only one driver, Kevin Magnussen, has faced suspension for reaching this threshold, doing so in 2024.
Verstappen is set to see two of his penalty points expire after the upcoming Austrian Grand Prix at the end of June. However, to avoid a ban, he must navigate this weekend’s race in Montreal and the subsequent Austrian GP without incident. He told Sky Sports F1, "We just focus ahead and try to do the best you can every single time. It’s not about changing my approach."
When pressed about the need for a change in strategy, Verstappen responded confidently, "I’m going to race how I do. I trust myself." This conviction is echoed by fellow driver Lando Norris, who recalled his intense battles with Verstappen last season, suggesting that the current points deficit—49 points behind championship leader Oscar Piastri—could intensify Verstappen’s efforts on the track.
Russell, speaking on Thursday, opined that a potential race ban for Verstappen would be justified if he reaches the 12-point mark. However, Verstappen remains unfazed, stating, "What is fair? I mean, is it fair that I’m only 11 points? Life isn’t fair."
Verstappen, who has won the last three Canadian Grands Prix, recognizes the strength of competitors like McLaren this season but remains focused on securing a podium finish. He remarked, “If we can fight for a podium, fighting with Ferrari and Mercedes would already be a good achievement,” reflecting on Red Bull’s recent challenges on circuits with numerous low-speed corners.
The 2025 Canadian Grand Prix, part of the ongoing season, is set to showcase not only the thrilling racing dynamics but also the evolving strategies as teams and drivers adapt to the challenges on the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.
Upcoming Weekend Schedule:
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Friday, June 13:
- F1 Academy Practice One (4 PM)
- Canadian GP Practice One (6 PM)
- Canadian GP Practice Two (9:30 PM)
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Saturday, June 14:
- F1 Academy Race One (2:10 PM)
- Canadian GP Qualifying (9 PM)
- Sunday, June 15:
- Canadian Grand Prix (7 PM)
Catch the live coverage of this exciting event on Sky Sports F1, where a full weekend of racing action awaits!