Is F1 Champ FED UP With Media Questions?

Max Verstappen snapped at persistent questions about his 11 penalty points ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix, swearing that media attention on discipline is “childish” and distracting from his racing focus—escalating tension just as he seeks a clean run in Montreal.

At a Glance

• Verstappen enters Montréal one penalty point away from a one-race ban under F1’s 12-point, 12-month rule
• He qualified second behind George Russell, whose jest—“I’ve got more penalty points to burn”—stoked Verstappen’s irritation
• During the press conference, the champion called the questioning “childish” and said it was “pissing me off”
• The FIA confirmed his comments did not breach profanity rules and awarded no new points
• Two of Verstappen’s existing penalty points are set to expire on June 30, easing pressure slightly

“Childish” Questions Test Patience

Verstappen’s frustration boiled over during post-qualifying media sessions at the Canadian Grand Prix. The three-time champion is sitting on 11 penalty points—just one short of an automatic one-race suspension—and reporters have made it a recurring focus. “It’s a bit childish to keep bringing it up,” he said. “It’s pissing me off a bit because I’m here to race.”
The FIA confirmed that Verstappen’s language did not violate any podium or press conference conduct rules. No additional points were issued.

Watch a report: Verstappen’s Press Conference Outburst.

Rivalry and Qualifying Drama

Verstappen qualified second behind George Russell, who delivered a strong lap in tricky, rain-affected conditions. The Mercedes driver then quipped, “I’ve got more penalty points to burn,” referencing Verstappen’s disciplinary situation. According to Motorsport.com, the comment wasn’t lost on Verstappen, who appeared visibly irked by the joke and the persistent media focus on penalties instead of performance.

The friction follows their recent on-track clash in Spain, which added two points to Verstappen’s license and intensified scrutiny over his driving.

Walking the Line in Montreal

Under F1’s system, drivers who reach 12 penalty points within 12 months receive an automatic one-race ban. Verstappen’s two points from June 2023 are due to expire on June 30, reducing his risk marginally if he avoids infractions in the interim.

But until then, the margin for error is razor-thin. ESPN reported that Verstappen sarcastically remarked, “Yeah, I’m going to drive super carefully now,” when asked about his mindset heading into Sunday’s race.

The Canadian Grand Prix could become a defining moment in Verstappen’s season—not just for its championship implications, but for how he handles the pressure of perfection in a sport where aggression usually wins.