Max Verstappen’s risk of a race suspension has decreased as three penalty points were removed from his record before the Brazilian Grand Prix. Currently, he holds six penalty points over the past year, while his competitor Oliver Bearman also saw some leniency as they approach the last four races of the season.
Both Verstappen and Bearman had successful races at the Mexican Grand Prix, finishing third and fourth, respectively. Bearman achieved his best career result and narrowly missed a podium finish.
Following the race, the FIA made a favorable decision to wipe off penalty points from both drivers’ super licenses in compliance with sporting rules. Verstappen had received two penalty points for incidents in Mexico and Brazil, but these have now been expunged.
Bearman had been close to a race ban, being just two points away after an incident with Carlos Sainz. However, his total penalty points have been reduced to eight, with two points removed due to an incident with Franco Colapinto in Brazil.
Additionally, Bearman received a time penalty for track limit infringement during a race with Kimi Antonelli in Austin, but fortunately, this did not result in any penalty points on his license.
Changes to penalty points were not exclusive to Verstappen and Bearman. Championship contender Oscar Piastri also had two points removed from his license following an incident with Liam Lawson at last year’s Sao Paulo race.
The adjustment in penalty points brings relief to Verstappen and Piastri as they navigate the final stages of a fiercely contested championship battle. Both drivers are chasing Norris, who took a slight lead in the Drivers’ Championship after a commanding victory in Mexico City.
Piastri is under the most pressure among the title contenders, having struggled to keep up with his rivals in recent races, relinquishing a significant lead at a concerning rate.
Verstappen understands the importance of flawless performances to secure a fifth consecutive title, acknowledging the need for perfect weekends moving forward to have a chance at the championship.