Max Verstappen on the brink: why a slip-up in Austin could end his title hopes. Max Verstappen risks disqualification at the Austin Grand Prix due to penalty points.

We have now entered the final phase of the 2025 Formula 1 season. With McLaren having just secured the Constructors’ Championship, the focus shifts entirely to the drivers’ championship. Verstappen and Red Bull must be extremely cautious, as the Dutchman is in danger of being disqualified at the next Grand Prix.

Why Verstappen cannot afford mistakes in Austin

Heading into the sprint to the drivers’ title, Red Bull must consider Verstappen’s penalty points. Every Formula 1 driver has a “behavioral license” maintained by the FIA, which, in addition to time penalties, can accumulate points for infractions.

Accumulating 12 penalty points automatically results in a disqualification from the next Grand Prix, meaning a race finished with zero points. Max Verstappen must be extremely cautious because disqualification is a real threat. The four-time world champion currently has 9 points, which means a serious incident could push him to the dreaded zero.

A disqualification for Max Verstappen would effectively end his drivers’ championship challenge. However, it’s important to note that each of his penalty points has an expiration date. In particular, 3 of his 9 points will expire after the Mexico Grand Prix. Here is the current situation of the Red Bull driver’s penalty points:

• 2 points expire on 27 October 2025
• 1 point expires on 1 November 2025
• 1 point expires on 1 December 2025
• 2 points expire on 8 December 2025
• 3 points expire on 1 June 2026