Max Verstappen heads into the Canadian Grand Prix just one penalty point away from a potential race suspension following a collision with George Russell at the Spanish Grand Prix. The reigning four-time Formula 1 champion, who has accumulated 11 penalty points over the last year, insists he will not alter his aggressive driving style despite the looming threat of suspension.
In Montreal, Verstappen declared, “I will always race hard,” reaffirming his commitment to racing as he has always done. He acknowledges the risk of suspension, especially with just one race left before two of his penalty points expire, following the Austrian Grand Prix at the end of the month. Notably, only one driver has been suspended under the current penalty system: Kevin Magnussen, who missed the 2022 Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Verstappen’s aggressive racing has been consistent, and he faced criticism for his tactics, particularly during his confrontational season in 2021 against Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris. He maintains that he cannot back down, stating, “I trust myself.” Despite recognising the possibility of a suspension being “not ideal” for his struggling Red Bull team, he remains unfazed by the penalty points and their implications.
After the incident with Russell, Verstappen admitted the collision “shouldn’t have happened” and expressed some accountability, surprising Russell who remarked that it was uncharacteristic of Verstappen to take responsibility. Russell, benefiting from the crash by finishing fourth, dismissed the need for further discussion about the incident.
Rival drivers are wary of Verstappen’s unpredictability on track. Lando Norris noted that Verstappen’s approach is unlikely to change, emphasising that competitors can’t assume he will be any less aggressive just because of his penalties.
As for the points standings, Verstappen is trailing in both the driver and constructors’ championships, sitting 49 points behind leader Oscar Piastri and 39 points behind Norris. Piastri has commented that he’s not preoccupied with Verstappen on track, aiming instead to maintain his smart racing strategy.
Verstappen, however, remains resolute, refusing to alter his racing style despite what his rivals might expect. As the three-time defending champion of the Canadian GP, he is determined to race fiercely, asserting that he will not let the threat of penalties dictate his performance.