Should Verstappen be worried about an F1 suspension?

Following the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, the Formula 1 penalty points overview has been updated. Max Verstappen remains on thin ice: with eight penalty points to his name, the Dutchman holds the highest number of penalty points among everyone and is thereby close to a suspension.

The FIA's penalty point system is designed to discourage repeated dangerous or unsportsmanlike driving behavior. If a driver accumulates twelve penalty points within twelve months, an automatic race ban follows. Verstappen is thus at two-thirds of that limit. Although the majority of these incidents stem from the previous season, they remain active on his license for now.

For Max's fans, there is (for now) no need to panic, but a moment of inattention in a tight battle could have serious consequences. A suspension would not only hit Verstappen himself but also significantly affect the championship and the excitement in the title fight with the McLaren drivers. The first penalty points will not expire for the Dutchman until June.

Aside from Yuki Tsunoda's pit start, no further penalties were issued and no penalty points were recorded on the licenses. Both Franco Colapinto and Carlos Sainz received a fine for speeding in the pit lane during free practice sessions. Colapinto also received a one-position grid penalty for entering the fast lane too early during qualifying. Ferrari also had to pay a fine, having failed to set the tire pressure of Charles Leclerc according to regulations.

If Max Verstappen accumulates 12 penalty points on his license, he risks being suspended for one race this season.

Penalty points of the drivers after the GP of Imola

Max Verstappen – 8 points

Liam Lawson - 6 points

Nico Hulkenberg – 4 points

Oscar Piastri – 4 points

Jack Doohan – 4 points

Esteban Ocon – 3 points

Lando Norris – 3 points

Oliver Bearman – 2 points

Lance Stroll – 2 points

Alex Albon – 2 points

Fernando Alonso – 2 points

Carlos Sainz – 2 points

Franco Colapinto - 2 points

George Russell – 1 point

Andrea Kimi Antonelli – 0 points

Gabriel Bortoleto – 0 points

Pierre Gasly – 0 points

Isack Hadjar – 0 points

Lewis Hamilton – 0 points

Charles Leclerc – 0 points

Yuki Tsunoda – 0 points

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