Max Verstappen remains resolute in his approach to racing, despite facing the possibility of a race ban after accumulating eight penalty points on his super licence. The Red Bull star, who will not have any penalty points removed until the British Grand Prix in July, has made it clear that the looming threat will not alter his driving style.
“I won’t change my driving style because of that,” Verstappen told Blick. “I know when I’ve gone too far. Like at the finale in Abu Dhabi when I attacked Piastri at the start. I had no problem apologizing to [him] after the race.”
The Dutchman’s collision with Oscar Piastri at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix earned him two penalty points, marking the fourth instance in the last five races of 2024 that he picked up points. Verstappen, however, has stood firm, asserting that his approach will remain unchanged even as Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko suggested he “needs to start being careful” to avoid a potential race ban.
The reigning four-time world champion expressed frustration over certain penalties, notably during qualifying for the Qatar Grand Prix, where he was penalized for allegedly impeding George Russell. Despite his anger, Verstappen rebounded the next day to secure his ninth win of the season.
“It only takes me one night to move on from setbacks,” Verstappen said. “There’s no point in carrying your anger into the next day. If you spur my ambition, things can get going.”
He acknowledged the controversial nature of some penalties and their subjective interpretation by the stewards. “We could discuss some of the penalties and points for hours,” he admitted. “But like Alonso, I already have eight penalty points. That’s not going to make me change my driving style.”
With the 2025 season underway, Verstappen’s determination to push the limits remains as strong as ever. However, with four penalty points separating him from an automatic ban, all eyes will be on how the defending champion navigates the fine line between aggression and regulation compliance.
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