The recent collision between Max Verstappen and George Russell at the Spanish Grand Prix has brought the world champion critically close to an automatic one-race suspension from Formula 1.
The Red Bull driver received a 10-second penalty for the incident in the closing laps, where he collided with the side of Russell`s car. Verstappen later acknowledged on social media that the manoeuvre “wasn`t right” and “shouldn`t have happened.”
However, a more significant repercussion came from the race stewards: three penalty points were added to his FIA superlicence. This brings his total over a rolling 12-month period to 11 points, leaving him just one point shy of the 12-point limit that automatically triggers a race ban.
This precarious situation means Verstappen, celebrated for his aggressive style and thrilling driving, must proceed with extreme caution in the upcoming races – this weekend`s Canadian Grand Prix and Red Bull`s home race, the Austrian Grand Prix, two weeks later. Fortunately for him, two of his current penalty points are set to expire on June 30th, which would move him three points clear of the ban threshold in time for the British Grand Prix.
This penalty points system has previously resulted in a driver being suspended. Kevin Magnussen missed last year`s Azerbaijan Grand Prix after reaching 12 points; Oliver Bearman substituted for him.
Penalty points are assigned based on the severity and specific circumstances of each incident. However, different stewards at each event can lead to variations in interpretation of the rules and allowances for mitigating factors. Despite this potential variation, Verstappen`s penalty in Spain has left him with virtually no margin for error. Even a relatively minor transgression could now push him over the edge.
Here are some types of offenses that could result in him missing a race:
Causing a Collision
This is the most frequent type of infraction that can result in penalty points when stewards determine a driver is clearly responsible for contact with a competitor. Verstappen`s controversial move on Russell in Spain fell into this category and was deemed serious enough to warrant the maximum three points awarded for a single incident.
Although intent wasn`t definitively proven, and Verstappen stopped short of admitting it was deliberate, there`s precedent for such incidents. Sebastian Vettel received the same penalty in 2017 for swerving into Lewis Hamilton alongside him at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. In that case, where intent seemed more apparent, stewards described the move as `potentially dangerous,` language not used in the Verstappen/Russell decision.
Four of Verstappen`s other penalty points were also for `causing a collision`:
- Two points for his clash with Lando Norris during the Austrian Grand Prix while they were competing for the lead.
- Two points for contact with Oscar Piastri at Turn 1 of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where an over-optimistic lunge resulted in spinning the McLaren driver.
Liam Lawson, Verstappen`s former teammate, has frequently incurred points in this category, with all six of his points coming from causing collisions. For example, he received two points for spinning Valtteri Bottas at last year`s Qatar Grand Prix. Even his immediate admission of fault didn`t prevent the stewards from issuing the points.
Forcing a Driver Off Track
This is another area where Verstappen has previously pushed the boundaries of the rules. Given the Canadian Grand Prix`s numerous overtaking opportunities and propensity for unpredictable races, this type of incident presents a potential risk this weekend.
Verstappen received two penalty points in this category for his controversial exchanges with Lando Norris at last year`s Mexico City Grand Prix. While battling for position, Verstappen forced Norris wide on two separate occasions, resulting in two distinct 10-second race penalties in addition to the penalty points.
These penalties can happen quickly. Nico Hulkenberg experienced this during Austria`s sprint race last year when he locked up and understeered through Turn 1, forcing Fernando Alonso wide – earning him two penalty points.
Considering Verstappen`s characteristic racing style, the Red Bull pit wall will likely feel nervous whenever he is in close proximity to another car over the next two race weekends. However, other types of infringements not involving direct wheel-to-wheel combat could also lead to points.
Leaving the Track and Gaining an Advantage
While this often results in an in-race penalty, guidelines for stewards suggest a 10-second penalty without penalty points is the norm. This has been the precedent in most recent cases. However, Kevin Magnussen received three points that contributed to his ban after being penalized three times for leaving the track and gaining an advantage at the 2023 Miami Grand Prix.
Magnussen was attempting to keep Lewis Hamilton behind him to protect teammate Hulkenberg`s points position and repeatedly went off-track to maintain position. On the third instance, stewards felt it necessary to issue not only a 10-second penalty but also three penalty points.
The stewards` statement noted, “This was the third instance of Car 20 leaving the track and gaining a lasting advantage.” They considered the penalty guidelines which suggest zero points but also allow for variation based on aggravating circumstances. They concluded that a third offense in a single session was an aggravating circumstance, justifying the imposition of three penalty points.
Infringements Under Yellow or Red Flags
Lando Norris still has three penalty points on his licence for speeding under double-waved yellow flags at last year`s Qatar Grand Prix. Caught out during a tense battle with Verstappen, the McLaren driver failed to slow down sufficiently when required. The observant Verstappen noticed this and prompted his team to raise the issue with the FIA.
Overtaking under both yellow and red flags is also forbidden. Oliver Bearman learned this lesson in Monaco this year when he passed Carlos Sainz under red flags during Friday practice. Although the Haas driver claimed it was safer not to slow abruptly, the stewards disagreed and issued a 10-place grid penalty and two penalty points.
Driving Unnecessarily Slowly
One of Verstappen`s 11 penalty points was incurred for driving unnecessarily slowly during qualifying for the Qatar Grand Prix. This rule aims to prevent large speed differentials between cars on hot laps and those on preparation laps, although it`s not frequently enforced as mitigating factors often explain drivers exceeding the maximum delta time.
However, in Verstappen`s specific case, he impeded Russell who was also on a qualifying preparation lap. This resulted in a one-place grid penalty and one penalty point. The incident reportedly sparked an ongoing dispute between the drivers, with Russell alleging Verstappen threatened him afterwards.
Safety Car and Virtual Safety Car Infringements
Exceeding speed limits under a safety car or virtual safety car can result in penalties. Drivers must adhere to a specific delta time displayed on their steering wheel when these procedures are deployed. Additionally, the leading driver is responsible for maintaining a gap of no more than 10 car lengths to the safety car until its lights are switched off to signal the restart.
Russell received a single penalty point when he was judged to have left a gap double that size (over 125 metres) during the Qatar Grand Prix.
Rupert Caldwell