Max Verstappen Eyes Fourth Canadian GP Win Amid Suspension Threat

Last Updated:June 12, 2025, 13:30 IST

Max Verstappen needs a clean race to prevent disqualification from the Austrian Grand Prix.

Max Verstappen must not be 'rash.' (AFP Photo)

Max Verstappen aims for an unprecedented fourth consecutive Canadian Grand Prix victory this weekend while hoping for a trouble-free race to avoid a suspension threat stemming from his “rash" incident in Spain.

The four-time world champion enters Sunday’s race knowing that one more penalty point on his racing license will automatically disqualify him from the Austrian Grand Prix later this month. Red Bull consultant Helmut Marko, his esteemed mentor, describes this potential outcome as “a catastrophe."

“He mustn’t do anything wrong over the next two weekends and, of course, he will be told not to do anything rash," Marko told speedweek.com.

Currently third in the drivers’ championship with 137 points, behind leader Oscar Piastri on 186 and McLaren teammate Lando Norris on 176, Verstappen was penalised at the Spanish Grand Prix for crashing into George Russell’s Mercedes.

Verstappen acknowledged that it was a deliberate move that “should not have happened" following the race, which was won with supreme self-control by Piastri. He now faces the challenge of completing two Grands Prix without incident before the points on his license are reduced.

“Barcelona was disappointing for us," Verstappen admitted. “Although we gave it everything, it was not the way we would have liked the race to turn out… We are looking forward to Canada –- the track is unique, has some old-school kerbs and plenty of opportunities for overtaking."

Returning to a high-speed circuit where brakes are pushed to the limit may be exactly what Verstappen and Red Bull need as they attempt to slow down the runaway leaders, McLaren, in the title race.

Mercedes and Ferrari also hope for a boost at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, where a large crowd is expected to support home favourite Lance Stroll as he returns after a medical procedure to reduce wrist and hand pain.

Mercedes technical boss James Allison said, “It’s a track where we’ve tended to go well in the past, and I’m looking forward to it. We have a few new bits to take and we’ll see how we get on."

The Silver Arrows have been winless since the Las Vegas Grand Prix last year, while McLaren, despite their current dominance, have not won in Canada since 2012 when seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton claimed one of his seven wins at the venue, a record he shares with Michael Schumacher.

Ferrari, always buoyed by the knowledgeable and passionate crowd, last won in Montreal in 2018. They will need a change in fortune to secure another victory, although the circuit has long been a favourite for Hamilton, who secured his maiden win there in 2007.

However, Hamilton arrives in Canada without a single podium finish this year and in need of a boost as he struggles with his car amid much paddock debate about his decision to leave Mercedes, where he won six of his seven world titles.

For the 40-year-old Briton, it is not yet a crisis –- he retains full support from Ferrari and team boss Fred Vasseur –- but after nine of the 24 races this year, success remains elusive.

The American Haas team will mark their 200th race by switching to a grey livery reminiscent of their original 2016 colours.

(with AFP inputs)

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News sports Max Verstappen Eyes Fourth Canadian GP Win Amid Suspension Threat