Martin Brundle has called on Max Verstappen’s rivals to deliberately push the Red Bull driver into making mistakes that could lead to an F1 race ban. Verstappen currently faces this risk after receiving a 10-second penalty and three penalty points for his recent collision with George Russell during the Spanish Grand Prix. This latest penalty brings Verstappen’s total to 11 points within a 12-month period, placing him dangerously close to the suspension threshold.
The Dutch driver must now avoid further infractions in the upcoming Canadian and Austrian Grands Prix to steer clear of a potential race ban. Brundle, a former Formula 1 driver, remarked that he would have imposed four penalty points and a drive-through penalty on Verstappen for the incident, but did not believe a black flag was warranted, despite some calls for a harsher penalty.
He’s an aggressive driver and that’s how he rock and rolls. That’s how he goes racing,
Brundle said during Sky Sports F1’s coverage of the Canadian Grand Prix.
Max has got such amazing car control, he can place his car, he knows the rules and can chance his luck. More and more he’s losing out on that.
—Martin Brundle
Brundle also recommended that championship contenders like Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris exploit Verstappen’s precarious penalty situation by provoking him into errors that could accumulate additional penalty points.
If I was a Mercedes, McLaren or Ferrari driver I would be goading him to get those extra points because subconsciously he knows he needs to be a touch more careful,
Brundle added.
But in Max’s mind he thinks this year’s World Championship against two great drivers in a McLaren is a long shot.
—Martin Brundle
Verstappen Resists Changing His Racing Strategy Despite Risks
Ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix weekend, Max Verstappen made it clear that he does not intend to alter his racing style despite the looming threat of suspension. When asked if he planned to adopt a more cautious approach, Verstappen responded defiantly.
I don’t know, why should I?
—Max Verstappen
He emphasized his confidence in his own abilities by stating:
I can’t just back out of everything. I’m going to race how I do. I trust myself.
—Max Verstappen
Addressing the consequences of a potential race ban, Verstappen told Sky Sports F1:
If you look at it in general, missing a race is not ideal, but it’s not the end of the world.
—Max Verstappen
The High Stakes Ahead in Canada and Austria
With the penalty point tally placing Max Verstappen at risk of suspension, his ability to maintain discipline during the Canadian and Austrian races will be closely watched. His aggressive driving style, praised for skill yet criticized for risk, may come under intensified pressure as rivals seek to capitalize on the penalty situation.
Martin Brundle’s advice to Verstappen’s opponents highlights how tactical maneuvers off the track, such as mental pressure and provoking mistakes, play a critical role in the championship fight. The unfolding scenario sets the stage for potentially dramatic battles in the next two Grands Prix and could influence the overall direction of the World Championship.