Max Verstappen Avoids Race Ban by Just One Point Under New FIA Guidelines
Max Verstappen Avoids Race Ban by Just One Point Under New FIA Guidelines originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Max Verstappen came within a whisker of being sidelined from a Formula 1 race, newly released FIA guidelines have revealed. According to the updated penalty framework issued this week, the Dutchman would have received four penalty points if stewards had classified his collision with George Russell in Spain as 'reckless' or 'deliberate.'
Advertisement
Instead, the stewards at the Spanish Grand Prix opted for a more lenient interpretation, stating that Verstappen had 'caused a collision' but with 'no immediate and obvious sporting consequence.' As a result, only three points were added to his super license.
That decision proved critical. Under current FIA regulations, any driver who scores 12 penalty points within a 12-month period is handed a one-race suspension. Verstappen now sits at 11, only one point shy of the threshold.
The incident in question happened during the Spanish Grand Prix, where Verstappen collided with George Russell during a tight midfield battle.
Max Verstappen talks to media during qualifying in Spain.While Russell was forced to take evasive action, both drivers were able to continue without major consequence, something the stewards cited in their final ruling.
Advertisement
However, had the clash been judged harder particularly under the newly clarified definitions of 'reckless' and 'deliberate' driving, the penalty could have tipped Verstappen over the limit.
The FIA's updated guidelines aim to bring greater transparency and consistency to how infractions are judged. They now explicitly define tiers of severity and the associated super license penalties, offering clearer precedent for future incidents.
For Verstappen and Red Bull, the close call is a timely warning. One more point could trigger an automatic ban—something a championship contending team cannot afford.
Advertisement
Related: Lando Norris Sparks Fan Frenzy as His Monster Drink Hits Stores
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 26, 2025, where it first appeared.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
15 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Fabrizio Romano Says Arsenal Agree to Personal Terms With PSG, Real Madrid Target
PSG could be preparing for a transfer showdown with Arsenal, AC Milan, Juventus, and Real Madrid over one of Spain's most promising young defenders. However, it's the Gunners who have reached the second stage with the player agreeing to personal terms. Despite boasting one of the best defenses in Ligue 1, PSG's backline is starting to show signs of wear after a long season. Lucas Hernandez is playing but still coming off a serious injury, and while Marquinhos remains a vital leader, he's not quite as explosive as he once was. Advertisement Presnel Kimpembe continues to be an influential presence in the locker room, but his availability remains uncertain in both the short and mid-term. Luis Enrique sees real potential in Lucas Beraldo, though the Brazilian is still viewed more as a depth option than a consistent starter. PSG could miss out on defensive targetOn Sunday, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed that Arsenal have agreed on personal terms with Christian Mosquera. After Valencia rejected Arsenal's initial €14 million bid, the club is preparing a new offer—the Premier League side hope to complete the deal for a fee over €20 million, with talks currently ongoing. Marca has reported that Real Madrid are already weighing their options for next summer's free agents. Arsenal left-back Myles Lewis-Skelly and Mosquera are among the names on their radar. Advertisement Foot Mercato reported that Mosquera is on PSG's transfer radar this summer to continue injecting youth into the center-back position. A key player for Valencia, the Alicante native could be sold by the club to boost its finances. Nonetheless, it seems Arsenal have the upper hand in this race and if they present an offer that satisfies Valencia, then the Gunners will come away with the talented young defender.
Yahoo
26 minutes ago
- Yahoo
England hit Jamaica for seven in perfect Euros preparation
England's women warmed up for their title defence at Euro 2025 with a 7-0 demolition of Jamaica on Sunday at Leicester's King Power Stadium. The Lionesses were looking to gather some momentum before they face a tough opener against France in Switzerland next Saturday. Advertisement Ella Toone struck twice either side of Lucy Bronze's header to give Sarina Wiegman's side a commanding half-time lead. Georgia Stanway, Alessia Russo, Aggie Beever-Jones and Beth Mead were on target after the break. But the biggest cheer of the night was arguably reserved for Lauren James as the Chelsea star played her first minutes since suffering a hamstring injury in April as a second-half substitute. James, sister of Chelsea men's captain Reece James, is likely to be key if England are to defend their crown as European champions. England's preparation for the tournament had been rocked by the shock international retirement of goalkeeper Mary Earps and Millie Bright, who had captained the side to the World Cup final in 2023, withdrawing due physical and emotional fatigue. Advertisement But Wiegman said she is excited at what a blend of new faces and experienced winners from Euro 2022 can produce. "I think there is huge potential in this squad and we have many options," said the Dutch coach. "I am most of all excited about the team. We've had two weeks of training and it was really good. You can feel the fight and we want to go to the Euros and play." England also face Euro 2017 champions the Netherlands and tournament debutants Wales in Group D. kca/dmc
Yahoo
26 minutes ago
- Yahoo
'Making love to his exhaust' – Christian Horner baffled by McLaren's Austrian GP stamina
Christian Horner admits he is baffled by the way McLaren is mastering F1's technical regulations this season to prevent extreme tyre wear at hot tracks like Austria. The Red Bull boss watched as his team's 77-race point-scoring streak was ended after Max Verstappen crashed out and Yuki Tsunoda finished last in the Austrian Grand Prix. The race was won by McLaren's Lando Norris, who was pushed to the line by his team-mate Oscar Piastri, who now as a 15-point lead in the drivers' standings. Advertisement After the race, Horner admitted that he could not get his head around how McLaren was able to produce a car that can run so close behind another without suffering damage to its tyres. 'What's truly impressive, and for me I can't see any other team being able to do it, is when you look at how close Oscar is able to run behind Lando with a car fat on fuel at the beginning of the race,' Horner said. 'He's basically making love to his fucking exhaust pipe for lap after lap after lap, and the tyres are not dying. I mean, that to me is, you know, that is their advantage. Christian Horner, Red Bull Racing Christian Horner, Red Bull Racing 'They've managed to create a car that really protects its tyres very well and obviously has a good balance. I can't see any other car that would be able to follow that closely and not grain the front tyres or the rear tyres. I don't really understand.' Advertisement Horner was left reflecting on a miserable weekend at the Red Bull Ring after watching on as Verstappen was wiped out by Mercedes rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli in the opening lap of the race. 'Well, that was a home race to forget,' he added. 'We got unlucky [in qualifying], that then puts us in a position where you're in the crash zone, and Kimi just lost it in spectacular fashion up at Turn 3. 'Max was basically through the corner and getting back on the power, and just got wiped out, so, an unfortunate mistake by Kimi, he's apologised to Max, but, you know, for us it killed our afternoon.' Read Also: F1 Austrian GP: Lando Norris leads Oscar Piastri in dominant McLaren 1-2 Kimi Antonelli handed British GP grid drop for crash with Max Verstappen in Austria To read more articles visit our website.
