Max Verstappen has been encouraged to continue taking “risks” on track, even as he teeters on the brink of a race ban. The four-time world champion is currently sitting on 11 penalty points—just one shy of an automatic suspension—and must race cleanly in the upcoming Canadian and Austrian Grands Prix to avoid a ban.
Former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer believes the Red Bull ace will remain true to his aggressive style, despite the threat. Speaking on the F1 Nation podcast, Palmer said, “I still don’t think he’s going to change his approach. He has one way of racing, and it is to throw everything at it and see what sticks.”
Verstappen picked up three penalty points following a collision with George Russell at Turn 5 during the Spanish Grand Prix, where he was also handed a 10-second time penalty that saw him drop to 10th place.
With the title race tightening—particularly against strong competition from McLaren—a race ban would be a massive blow to Verstappen’s championship hopes. However, Palmer suggested that the Dutchman’s relentless style is a key part of his success.
“[He] risks more than the others, probably, and I don’t see it changing. The Barcelona one… that’s not racing. He’s had red mist. He’s lost his cool,” Palmer noted. “But in terms of what he’s going to do on the track, I don’t think he’ll do that again.”
Palmer added that while Verstappen may avoid a repeat of the Russell clash, fans should still expect him to push the limits: “He’ll still fire in lunges, try to hang on around the outside, and push the boundaries in every way.”
The Canadian Grand Prix will be a critical test for Verstappen as he walks the disciplinary tightrope with the championship on the line.