The Canadian Grand Prix, held at the iconic Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, has only just begun, but Max Verstappen is already dominating the conversation in the Formula 1 paddock. With 11 penalty points on his superlicence, the four-time world champion is teetering on the brink of an automatic one-race ban. His recent comments after the first free practice session in Montreal, in which he defended his uncompromising driving style, have left fans and critics in dismay. Verstappen remains undeterred, but the threat of a ban casts a shadow over his quest for a fifth world title.

The first free practice session (FP1) on Friday evening Dutch time started off promisingly for Verstappen. He clocked the fastest time with a 1:13.1, leaving McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc behind. Leclerc crashed early in the session, leaving his time at 1:13.885, while Piastri finished in P15 after an unremarkable session. Verstappen’s performance was a signal that Red Bull Racing is determined to close the 39-point deficit to championship leader Piastri and 49 points to Lando Norris. However, it wasn’t his speed on track that attracted most attention, but his comments about the impending suspension.

With 11 penalty points, built up over the past year for incidents including a collision in Spain and a controversial overtaking move in Monaco, Verstappen is set to be suspended for another offence. Under FIA regulations, a total of 12 penalty points within a 12-month period results in an automatic one-race ban. When asked if this would affect his driving, Verstappen was clear: “If I lose another point, I will be suspended, which in theory means that I have to avoid competitive situations. But I am still who I am, I will still race in the way that the situation requires.” These words, spoken with his characteristic matter-of-factness, underline his unyielding nature but also raise questions about the risks he is taking in a championship that is teetering on the edge.

Within Red Bull, Verstappen’s comments have sparked mixed reactions. Team boss Christian Horner stressed the importance of discipline but backed his driver: “Max knows what’s at stake, but we trust his judgement.” Red Bull adviser Helmut Marko was less diplomatic, warning that the team cannot waste points in a season dominated by McLaren. The recent exodus of key players such as Jonathan Wheatley has piled pressure on the team, and a suspension for Verstappen would be disastrous for their title hopes.

In the paddock, Verstappen’s stance has been divisive. Sky Sports commentator Ted Kravitz, who has previously clashed with the Dutchman, suggested that Verstappen’s fearless attitude bordered on recklessness. “He’s brilliant but this could cost him dearly,” Kravitz noted. Fans on social media, on the other hand, praised his determination, with messages including: “Max will be Max, rules or not!” The rivalry with McLaren was further inflamed by a recent €100 fine for Piastri for exceeding the speed limit in the pit lane. Verstappen’s dry response to this – “Karma” – showed his ability to break the tension with a smile.

For the Dutch fans, who are ready en masse for qualifying on Saturday (22:00 Dutch time) and the race on Sunday (20:00), Verstappen’s attitude is a source of both pride and excitement. The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, with its tight corners and unpredictable weather, is a place where risks and rewards are closely linked. With Mercedes showing signs of recovery through George Russell and Ferrari seeking revenge after Leclerc’s crash, Verstappen will need all his experience to defend his lead without incurring penalty points.

Verstappen’s words reflect a driver who refuses to give up his identity, even under immense pressure. Whether this is a masterstroke or a risky gamble will be revealed in Montreal. One thing is for sure: the Canadian Grand Prix will be a battle in which every moment counts, and Verstappen has no intention of slowing down.