Max Verstappen One Point Away from Race Ban

The tension within the Red Bull Racing garage continues to grow, and now Max Verstappen finds himself on the edge of a rare and unwanted milestone: a race ban. The reigning world champion is currently sitting on 11 penalty points, just one short of the 12-point threshold that triggers an automatic one-race suspension under FIA regulations.

For a driver who has dominated the sport in recent years, this development is as shocking as it is unprecedented. Verstappen, who currently holds four world titles and is chasing his fifth, has not only been dealing with growing competition from McLaren and Ferrari this season, but also increasing internal scrutiny and media pressure.

🔍 “He’s Under Tremendous Pressure Right Now”

While Red Bull has not issued a formal statement on Verstappen’s disciplinary record, a former team mechanic recently shared insights that have reignited retirement rumours. Speaking anonymously to Dutch media, the ex-staffer remarked,

“If Max wins a fifth title in 2025, I wouldn’t be surprised if he walks away. He’s under tremendous pressure right now, both on and off the track.”

This comment has sparked comparisons with legends like Michael Schumacher, who temporarily retired from the sport at the height of his powers in 2006. Though Verstappen is just 27, the intense demands of the modern F1 calendar and the 24-race grind have reportedly worn him down.

⚠️ Penalty Point Trouble: What Happened?

The 11 penalty points on Verstappen’s FIA license are a culmination of infractions over the past 12 months—ranging from impeding other drivers in qualifying sessions to aggressive on-track maneuvers. According to the FIA, penalty points remain on a driver’s record for 12 months before expiring.

Should Verstappen pick up even a single point in the next few races, he could be suspended for a Grand Prix—an outcome that would significantly affect both the championship standings and Red Bull’s momentum in a tightly contested season.

🗣 Verstappen: “I Know Where the Line Is”

Despite the looming risk, Verstappen has downplayed concerns.

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“I race hard, but fair,” he said when asked about his driving style after the Canadian Grand Prix. “Of course, I’m aware of the points, but I also know where the line is. I’ll be cautious—when needed.”

That said, Verstappen’s on-track aggression, often viewed as a hallmark of his racing brilliance, is now being watched through a different lens. Every close call or contentious moment brings with it the risk of that decisive 12th point.

🧭 What’s Next?

With the championship fight tightening and Verstappen under the microscope, all eyes are on his next few race weekends. Will he dial it back to preserve his points record, or will the Red Bull star continue to push at the edge?

Either way, Formula 1 could be witnessing a rare collision of dominance, discipline, and destiny. If Verstappen does win a fifth title this year—and chooses to walk away—he will have left the sport not just on top, but perhaps also on his own terms.