It’s a record he could have done without. Max Verstappen, three-time reigning world champion, recently became the driver who has accumulated the most penalty points since the introduction of this system in 2014, a year before his arrival in Formula 1. Unlike Kevin Magnussen, the only driver to have been suspended for having reached the limit of 12 points authorized, Verstappen always knew how to avoid this sanction. Moreover, he will be able to recover two points during the next weekend in Las Vegas, a year after being penalized for having pushed Charles Leclerc off the track at the start.
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However, these penalties do not tarnish his status as an exceptional driver (62 victories in F1). Statistically, the Dane accumulates points at an average rate of 0.2 per Grand Prix weekend, compared to 0.18 for the Hasselt native. But since his debut in 2015, Verstappen has still collected 39 penalty points, a record total. Here is an overview of the main sanctions received by the Red Bull driver.
An eventful first season
From his debut in Formula 1, Verstappen stood out for his strong character, sometimes beyond the limits. In Monaco, he lost two points on his super-license after a collision with Romain Grosjean. In Hungary, he received three points for speeding under safety car regime, a sanction accompanied by a passage through the pits. Finally, in Abu Dhabi, he received a double penalty: one point for leaving the track while overtaking Jenson Button and two others for ignoring the blue flags when he was about to be overtaken by Lewis Hamilton. With eight points accumulated, he came close to punishment in his first season.
The following season, in 2016, was much calmer. Promoted to Red Bull after the Russian Grand Prix, he was penalized only once, in Mexico, for cutting the first corner against Sebastian Vettel without giving him back the position. After a relatively good 2017 season (three penalty points, including two for a collision with Daniel Ricciardo in Hungary), Verstappen is having a more turbulent 2018 campaign. He accumulated seven points during four Grand Prix, notably in China where he crashed into Vettel's Ferrari. Close to a suspension, he pulled himself together and managed to not receive any sanctions in 2020.
However, his aggressive temperament resurfaces in 2021, the year of his fierce duel with Lewis Hamilton for the title. Incidents are increasing between the two rivals: at Monza (two drivers abandoning) and in Jeddah (two penalties). In 2022, hostilities resume with a new clash at Interlagos, costing the Dutchman two points.
Recent frictions
In 2023, Verstappen is penalized for pushing Charles Leclerc off the track in Las Vegas, earning him two additional points. Despite everything, it remains relatively ” own “although his aggressive style still put him in the spotlight, notably against Lando Norris in Mexico. Despite his numerous penalties, Max Verstappen has never been suspended from a Grand Prix. His dazzling performances on the track often overshadowed these incidents. With the opportunity to win a fourth world title this weekend in Las Vegas, he could become a little more legendary in Formula 1, becoming the sixth driver to win at least four world championship titles.
