P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Max Verstappen is adamant the risk of becoming the first reigning champion in F1 to receive a race ban will not force him into changing his driving style.
Despite being at risk of being banned for a race in the 2025 F1 season due to accumulating penalty points on his super licence, Max Verstappen has stated that he will not alter his aggressive driving style. Two points will be deducted from his total after the Austrian Grand Prix, providing some relief to the situation. Verstappen faced criticism for his driving standards in the latter half of the 2024 season as he battled to maintain his championship lead over Lando Norris. Red Bull, though retaining Verstappen’s title, fell to third in the constructors’ standings, with McLaren or Ferrari likely to lead the field in 2025. Despite the challenges ahead, Verstappen aims to defend his drivers’ crown and match Michael Schumacher’s consecutive championship record, even if it means risking further penalty points. The 27-year-old remains steadfast in his refusal to modify his racing principles, expressing a determination to continue with his current approach.
