OFFICIAL🛑 Max Verstappen BANNED FROM NEXT RACE AT CANADIAN GP as investigations CONFIRMED into Max Verstappen’s controversial errors at 2025 Spanish GP
Formula 1 has been rocked by a bombshell decision as the FIA announced on June 4, 2025, that Max Verstappen will be banned from the upcoming Canadian Grand Prix, set for June 13-15, following his controversial actions at the Spanish Grand Prix on June 1. The four-time world champion, already reeling from a 10-second penalty and three penalty points for causing a collision with George Russell, now faces further scrutiny as the FIA confirmed an ongoing investigation into his aggressive driving and inflammatory radio comments. The ban, one of the most significant penalties in recent F1 history, has thrust Verstappen’s 2025 title campaign into chaos, leaving Red Bull scrambling and fans divided over the sport’s disciplinary direction.
The drama unfolded during a tense late-race battle at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. A Safety Car, triggered by Kimi Antonelli’s Mercedes engine failure on Lap 58, set the stage for a chaotic restart. Verstappen, on less competitive hard tires, struggled for grip and went off-track at Turn 1 on Lap 61, making slight contact with Charles Leclerc and rejoining ahead of Russell. Ordered by Red Bull to yield fourth place to avoid a penalty for gaining an advantage, Verstappen slowed at Turn 5 on Lap 64, but telemetry revealed he accelerated as Russell attempted to pass, causing a collision. The FIA stewards, citing Article 12.2.1.f, deemed Verstappen wholly responsible, issuing a 10-second penalty that dropped him to 10th and three penalty points, bringing his 12-month total to 11—just one shy of an automatic race ban.
What escalated the situation was Verstappen’s expletive-filled radio rant, where he accused Russell of deliberately braking early to “set him up” and called the stewards’ decision “pathetic.” The FIA, invoking Article 12.2.1.k for conduct detrimental to the sport, banned Verstappen from Montreal, citing his comments as a “significant breach” that tarnished F1’s global image. The investigation, confirmed on June 4, will probe both the collision and Verstappen’s broader conduct, including prior incidents in Mexico City and Brazil that amassed his penalty points. Posts on X exploded with reactions, some fans decrying the ban as “overreach” and others praising the FIA for addressing Verstappen’s “reckless” behavior.
George Russell, who finished fourth, described the incident as “deliberate” and “dangerous,” urging the FIA to set a precedent. “You can’t crash into another driver like that at 43 mph,” he told Sky Sports F1, echoing Nico Rosberg’s call for a black flag. Red Bull’s Christian Horner defended Verstappen’s frustration but admitted the collision was avoidable, while Mercedes’ Toto Wolff emphasized accountability, stating, “Max is a champion, but he needs to recognize when he’s wrong.” Verstappen’s Instagram apology, where he acknowledged the crash “shouldn’t have happened” but criticized F1’s racing rules, did little to quell the controversy, with some on X accusing him of deflecting blame.
The ban forces Red Bull to field a replacement driver, with Racing Bulls’ Liam Lawson or Isack Hadjar as likely candidates. Verstappen’s absence in Canada, combined with his 49-point deficit to championship leader Oscar Piastri, severely dents his title hopes. The investigation’s outcome could lead to further sanctions, especially with Verstappen’s penalty points teetering on the edge of a mandatory ban. The incident has reignited debates about stewarding consistency, with fans referencing past unpunished moves by other drivers. Some on X hailed the FIA’s crackdown as a step toward cleaner racing, while others argued it unfairly targets Verstappen’s combative style.
As F1 heads to Montreal, the sport faces a pivotal moment. Verstappen’s ban, coupled with the ongoing investigation, underscores the FIA’s push to curb aggressive driving and inflammatory conduct. Whether Verstappen can rebound from this setback—or if his accusations against Russell hold any weight—remains uncertain. For now, the paddock braces for a Canadian Grand Prix without its biggest star, while the Dutchman’s future hangs in the balance as the FIA’s probe looms large.
