June 3, 2025, the FIA has confirmed a second severe penalty for Max Verstappen, resulting in a one-race ban following the chaotic conclusion of the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix on June 1. The decision comes after a dramatic late-race collision with George Russell and subsequent controversies, marking a significant escalation in the governing body’s response to the Red Bull driver’s actions at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
The initial incident occurred on Lap 64 of the 66-lap race, triggered by a safety car restart after Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli retired in the gravel. Verstappen, running fourth on hard tires, clashed with Russell at Turn 5 after being instructed by Red Bull to yield position following an earlier off-track moment at Turn 1. Despite complying, Verstappen suddenly accelerated, causing a collision that forced Russell wide. The FIA imposed a 10-second time penalty, dropping him from fifth to 10th, and added three penalty points to his super license, bringing his 12-month total to 11. However, the fallout intensified with Verstappen’s heated radio outburst, where he swore and criticized the stewards, prompting a further investigation.
This morning, the FIA announced the second penalty, citing Verstappen’s “reckless conduct and unsportsmanlike behavior” as grounds for the ban. The accumulation of penalty points—reaching 12 with the latest addition—triggers an automatic one-race suspension under Article 38.3 of the FIA’s sporting regulations, the first such ban since Kevin Magnussen’s in 2024. Verstappen will miss the Canadian Grand Prix on June 13-15, a critical race in the championship where he trails leader Oscar Piastri by 49 points.
The decision has sparked mixed reactions. Red Bull’s Christian Horner called it “an overreaction,” arguing the initial penalty sufficed, while Russell expressed relief, stating, “Safety must come first.” Fans on social platforms are divided, with some viewing it as a fair crackdown on Verstappen’s aggressive style, while others question the FIA’s consistency, noting lighter penalties for similar incidents involving other drivers. Verstappen, who admitted the collision “shouldn’t have happened,” now faces a pivotal moment as he sits out Canada, with Sergio Perez stepping in. The ban could reshape the title fight, with McLaren’s dominance growing. As F1 heads to Montreal, the sport braces for the fallout of this unprecedented ruling.
