With Verstappen one point from suspension, rivals Russell and Piastri stay alert, hoping to seize opportunity at Canadian Grand Prix.
Max Verstappen says he’s tired of being asked about his risk of suspension for a race.
The Red Bull driver is contesting his first race since accumulating 11 penalty points on his super licence, putting him one point away from the 12-point threshold that triggers an automatic suspension.
He received three penalty points during the last round of the championship in Spain. Verstappen was penalised for a collision with George Russell.
The Mercedes driver outqualified him for tomorrow’s pole position, meaning the two will share the front row on Sunday. Russell did not miss the chance to highlight Verstappen’s precarious situation, pointing out that his rival had “a few more points to manage on his licence” if the two drivers were to battle again.
The remark, made in front of the Canadian crowd, drew reactions from the stands.
Verstappen, having spoken before Russell after qualifying, was asked about the penalty points during the post-session press conference.
However, he did not wish to comment on whether this situation disadvantaged him compared to Russell.
“I don’t need to hear it again. I heard what he said to the crowd, I’m not deaf. It really annoys me.”
“You talk about it already on Thursday, isn’t that enough? It’s a waste of time, it’s very childish.”
“That’s why I don’t want to say too much, because it’s really annoying, this world we live in.”
Alongside him, George Russell and Oscar Piastri were asked about how they might take advantage of the situation hanging over Verstappen.
“To start with, on what’s been said these past few days, I don’t think a driver looks to crash into someone and get points taken off his licence,” said Russell.
“Max is one of the best drivers. He has no reason to drive differently, and I’m not here thinking he’ll give us more room. On the contrary, he’ll probably try to prove something. So I’ll keep an eye on the situation, but in the end, we’re all here to win.”
“We’re not going to do something that puts me at risk. It’s a busy season. If you’re suspended, you’re suspended and you spend time at home. It’s not ideal, but it’s not the end of the world like Max said.”
For Piastri, “I’m not going to drive any differently. I won’t take more or fewer risks against Max. I’m certainly not going to do anything different. I’ll drive as usual.”
