Verstappen vs. the FIA: The Cost of Staying Competitive
The four-time world champion, known for his all-or-nothing approach, leads the grid in terms of penalty points. Max Verstappen currently has nine points on his super license, with six of them set to expire by the end of the 2025 season. Under Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile, or FIA, regulations, drivers who earn more than 12 points within 12 months receive a one-race ban. Back in June, Verstappen was just one point away from a race suspension with 11 points. However, two of his points expired a few weeks later, and now he has a little space from the 12-point cutoff.
Verstappen has always been a top penalty point earner, accumulating eight penalty points in 2024. In his rookie season in 2015, he had the most penalty points on the grid with eight points. This year, he has only had one incident that earned him penalty points due to his collision with George Russel at the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix. The reigning world champion has had to tone down his signature aggressiveness to avoid gaining more penalties, and it has come at a cost as he currently sits third in the standings.
Verstappen’s aggressive yet calculated driving style is what makes him a fierce competitor. He’s renowned for his bold overtakes, late braking, and his ability to maintain control while pushing the car to the limits. He has been criticized for his controversial strategy, but it has proven to be highly effective. Verstappen has gained so many points because of the pressure to defend his championship, with McLaren currently dominating the 2025 season. Additionally, the FIA has been increasingly stricter with rule enforcement and leaves less room for Verstappen’s aggressive driving style.
With only 10 races left of the season, Verstappen trails current leader Oscar Piastri by 97 points. To earn his fifth consecutive championship, he would need to continuously outperform both McLaren drivers by a large margin. Yet, with the most penalty points on the grid, Verstappen has to tread carefully to avoid missing a crucial race to help his championship chances. He must find a balance between the aggression that made him a champion and the caution needed to avoid further penalty points. For a driver who thrives on pushing boundaries, Verstappen must play it safe to continue his presence in the championship race.
