In an unshocking turn of events, Max Verstappen has managed to position himself one penalty point from a race ban. Even more unsurprisingly- his fans claim discrimination. In F1 there are a certain set of rules you must follow, as it is a highly regulated sport, especially pertaining to the safety of other drivers. This includes things like when it is and is not appropriate to overtake or drive defensively, i.e. weaving across the track. Famously- drivers known to be aggressive are just that: aggressive.
During Lewis Hamilton’s run at dominance when he was world champ, he was pretty much constantly criticized for his driver style, perpetually flamed by the media. Now out of that era of his career, and he still can’t escape this commentary. In my own home he is even nicknamed Lewis slam-ilton in reference to the two times he cost fellow driver Alex Albon his first podium. This type of driving though, this “aggressive” attitude, is constantly promoted by the media as in that is what it takes to be a champion.
So naturally, it is not a shock that Max drives the way he does. On Sunday, in Spain, he managed to rack up three penalty points on his license, by smashing his car intentionally into George Russel’s. Just one away from a one race ban. If he violates any rules in any sort of egregious fashion before the end of this month, it will be bad news for him. A guarantee at a no points weekend for the dutchman, and no established reserve driver from Red Bull to fill his place.