Max Verstappen has made it clear he will not alter his aggressive racing style, even as he edges closer to a potential race ban in the 2025 Formula 1 season.
The Dutchman is just one point away from a race ban, with three points set to expire after the next two races in Canada and Austria, and has been warned by Red Bull to refrain from ‘rash’ driving.
Verstappen’s collision with George Russell in Spain added to his tally of penalty points on his FIA Super Licence.
He later apologised for his move on the Briton, stating it was a result of frustrations due to Red Bull’s strategy and decision to pit onto the Hard tyres, mixed with moves made on himself after the Safety Car.
However, ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix, when asked if being just one point away from a suspension had changed anything for him, Verstappen shrugged off the concern.
“No, I mean back to having a little bit of jet lag, but besides that, no, nothing changes,” he told media including Motorsport Week.
Pressed on whether his approach would shift given the risks, Verstappen was blunt: “No.”
He dismissed suggestions that being out of the title fight influenced his stance.
“No, also not, I mean it is what it is, I was on eight points before, now on 11.”
The reigning World Champion emphasised his trust in his own judgement behind the wheel.
“I mean, I cannot just back out of everything, I’m just going to race like I always do, I trust myself.”
Verstappen reflects on Spanish GP incident and penalty
A break of one week has allowed the 27-year-old to contemplate his behaviour heading into this race weekend.
Therefore, asked whether he deserves to be so close to a ban, Verstappen was philosophical: “I don’t need to go into that to be honest.
“I mean, what is fair? Is it fair that I’m on 11 points? I don’t know, but at the same time, life is not fair if you look at it like that.
“I don’t worry about it, I just come here to race and I’ll always race hard, race how I think I should race, and then we go onto the next race.”
On the frustration behind the incident, he explained: “It’s just like I said, a very frustrating few laps in a row, I get driven into in a straight, almost crashed already with the Hard tyres, then get driven into at Turn 1, then they tell me I have to give the place back, like that makes no sense, so a lot of things that came together.”
He dismissed suggestions the clash was intentional, calling it “a misjudgement, clearly, in the corner” and added, “everyone makes mistakes in life”.
As for whether rivals may try to take advantage of his precarious situation, the Red Bull driver was again firm.
“Yeah, but again, even if they do, it’s not in my interest,” he said. “I’ll race how I want to race, it’s not going to change anything.”
READ MORE – George Russell: Max Verstappen U-turn over F1 Spanish GP clash was ‘unlike him’
