Verstappen Frustrated by 2024 Penalty Points, Eyes F1 Rules

Max Verstappen faces mounting frustration over penalty points, highlighting F1’s contentious rules as suspension risks loom over his 2024 season.

As Max Verstappen edges dangerously close to a race suspension, Helmut Marko calls for the “let them race” mentality to return to F1.

Under the terms of their FIA super license, an F1 driver faces a one-race ban if they reach the dreaded total of 12 penalty points, as Kevin Magnussen experienced in 2024, becoming the first driver to serve such a sanction after being forced to sit out the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

The Red Bull advisor was asked about Verstappen, who currently holds 8 penalty points at least until next June.

Should he improve his driving and choose his battles more carefully?

“Penalty points are a whole story, but as far as I can recall, there was only one real incident in Austria, and I think it was a hard-fought battle,” Marko said.

“As everyone said at the time, ‘let them race.’”

“That was one incident, and the other happened during the last race in Abu Dhabi. He made a very good start. [Carlos] Sainz didn’t have a good start, so that allowed him to take the chance. I think Piastri wasn’t looking to the side, he was looking ahead. It’s a first-turn racing incident; it can happen.”

“But otherwise, Max is Max, and that’s part of his charisma, his personality. If he sees an opportunity, he takes it. He’s a tough, uncompromising driver; that’s also part of his image, and I don’t think he needs to change.”

“So, the penalty points he received in 2024 irritate him. Max has his own opinions and expresses them too. If he were at risk of a suspension, he would not hesitate to voice his views loudly and clearly.”

• Discover More>An Emotional Farewell: Sainz Leaves Ferrari, Hamilton Ushers a New Era
• Follow us on >Facebook and >Twitter for F1 updates

Max Verstappen Near Suspension, Questions FIA Penalty System Max Verstappen Near Suspension, Questions FIA Penalty System