Alex Wurz Urges Verstappen to Tread Carefully in Canada to Avoid Race Ban
Chairman of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), Alex Wurz, has issued a strong warning to Max Verstappen, urging the reigning world champion to “keep his nose clean” during this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix to avoid triggering a one-race suspension a ban that would come into effect at Red Bull’s home race in Austria.
Verstappen currently finds himself walking a disciplinary tightrope. Following a controversial collision with George Russell at the Spanish Grand Prix, the Dutch driver was handed an additional three penalty points on his super licence, bringing his 12-month tally to 11 out of a possible 12. According to FIA regulations, 12 points in a 12-month span results in an automatic one-race ban.
The timing is especially sensitive Verstappen is just one point away from missing a race, and he won’t see any points drop from his record until June 30, after the Austrian Grand Prix. That means any further infractions in Canada, no matter how minor, could force the three-time world champion to sit out the next racean event of enormous importance for Red Bull Racing, held at their home circuit in Spielberg.
Wurz, a former F1 driver and now a prominent figure in motorsport safety and governance, emphasized the importance of composure and discipline in such high-pressure situations. “Max is one of the most talented drivers the sport has seen,” Wurz said. “But he’s in a delicate position now. He has to drive smart, not just fast. One wrong move in Montreal and he could miss Austria—a race that means everything to Red Bull.”
The Canadian Grand Prix circuit in Montreal is known for its high-speed chicanes and tight walls, increasing the likelihood of driver errors and penalties. All eyes will be on Verstappen this weekend to see whether he can deliver a clean performance and keep his title campaign on track without risking a suspension.
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