Former Formula 1 driver Riccardo Patrese has expressed his view that Max Verstappen would respond with surprising calm if he were to face a race ban. Verstappen, currently holding 11 penalty points within a 12-month period, is on the brink of an automatic suspension after receiving one more point. This precarious situation has heightened concerns about Verstappen’s reaction should the inevitable ban occur, especially as it would severely threaten his 2025 championship prospects.
The first penalty point in Verstappen’s tally is set to expire on June 30, making the upcoming Austrian Grand Prix crucial for him to avoid accumulating further points. Patrese, a respected Italian driver from 1977 to 1993 with six wins and 37 podium finishes, believes the Dutchman’s mindset remains unaffected by these pressures.
Patrese Shares Insights on Verstappen’s Approach to Possible Penalty
Patrese emphasized that Verstappen would not be overly troubled by a race ban. He noted that the driver might actually view such a consequence as an opportunity to relax rather than a crisis.
“I think that for him it’s not a problem,”
Patrese told List of Sweepstakes Casinos about Verstappen’s possible race ban.
“I think he doesn’t like it because he probably also has a penalty that he didn’t agree to have, and if it happens that he loses the license, for sure he goes in his boat and relaxes for two weeks to wait for the next grand prix. I don’t think it’s a drama for him, for sure.”
—Riccardo Patrese, Former F1 Driver
Patrese also highlighted Verstappen’s distinctive driving style, describing how the Dutchman sometimes channels an aggressive approach reminiscent of F1’s earlier days.
“I think at the moment he is the only driver that thinks sometimes he makes old-style fighting and driving as it was in my time,”
Patrese explained.
“I like this because sometimes he fights as he should be. And also he doesn’t like to keep the mouth closed as you know at the moment everybody wants to close the mouth of the drivers.”
—Riccardo Patrese, Former F1 Driver
Patrese criticized the restrictions placed on drivers expressing their opinions, noting that voicing dissent often leads to penalties or enforced social media engagement. He expressed appreciation for Verstappen’s willingness to speak out and compete fiercely despite regulatory pressures.
“So at the end, I think I like Verstappen because he’s the only one that now is over all this situation that there are a lot of rules, a lot of penalties, you cannot talk and so on. Probably because it feels very strong because he’s a four-time world champion.”
—Riccardo Patrese, Former F1 Driver
According to Patrese, Verstappen’s status as a multiple world champion likely strengthens his confidence to act and speak as he pleases, even if it risks sanctions.
“So at the end he says what he wants and he does what he wants and he may be fighting, he loses the license, I think for him it’s not a drama, he wins one race and then he comes back and maybe he wins the next race.”
—Riccardo Patrese, Former F1 Driver
Reasons Behind Verstappen’s Penalty Accumulation
Max Verstappen’s precarious penalty situation began during the 2024 Austrian Grand Prix, where he received two penalty points for causing a collision with Lando Norris, his championship rival. Since that event, Verstappen has been involved in several other incidents, including collisions in Abu Dhabi with Oscar Piastri and in Spain with George Russell. The latter incident resulted in Verstappen being handed three additional penalty points, intensifying the risk of a mandatory race ban triggered by surpassing 12 points.
As Verstappen heads into the Austrian GP, it is imperative for him to steer clear of penalties to alleviate immediate danger. The scrutiny from race stewards remains high, creating a tense atmosphere around the Red Bull driver’s performance and conduct on track.
Looking Ahead: What a Race Ban Could Mean for Verstappen’s Career
If Verstappen were to face a mandatory suspension, the impact on his championship defense, especially in the 2025 season, would be significant. Missing even a single race could severely affect his title chances, given the intensely competitive nature of Formula 1. However, Patrese’s evaluation suggests that Verstappen is mentally prepared for such challenges and could rebound strongly after any enforced break. This attitude reflects not only his confidence as a four-time world champion but also his resilience under pressure.
The upcoming races will be pivotal for Verstappen as he seeks to maintain his lead and manage discipline under tight regulations. The ongoing debate around driver penalties, outspoken attitudes, and competitive aggression continues to shape F1’s evolving landscape, with Verstappen at its center.