To avoid unnecessary difficulties in Canada, Verstappen must maintain a low profile.
Montreal's Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is all set for an exhilarating spectacle this weekend as Max Verstappen guns for an unprecedented fourth consecutive Canadian Grand Prix win. But the Red Bull driver must tread carefully, as he's only one penalty point away from a race ban.
Verstappen has dominated this race for the last three years. In 2022, he started alongside George Russell, the same rival he had a dust-up with at the previous race. The question now is, how will he respond this time? Other racers will undoubtedly seize any opportunity to capitalize on his situation at a track known for its unpredictable weather.
"Don't do anything stupid over the next two race weekends," Red Bull motorsport consultant, Helmut Marko, warns. "It would be a disaster if he can't start in Austria," Marko wrote in his post-Spain column.
Looking to snatch the top spot again is McLaren, with Oscar Piastri leading Lando Norris by 10 points after nine races. Mercedes, however, might have a strong showing in this North American race.
"We've generally performed well at this track in the past," says Mercedes technical director, James Allison. "So I'm looking forward to it. We've got a couple of new features to bring and see how we fare."
Mercedes' last win was in Las Vegas last November, with Russell's second place in Bahrain being their best result so far this season. McLaren, on the other hand, has won seven of the nine races but last triumphed in Canada with Lewis Hamilton back in 2012.
The battle between Piastri and Norris could heat up, especially with Ferrari closing the gap. The Italian team last won in Canada with Sebastian Vettel in 2018, and team boss Fred Vasseur is optimistic.
Aston Martin's Lance Stroll, the only Canadian driver, missed the Spanish Grand Prix due to injury but hopes to race infront of his home crowd. US-owned Haas will also mark their 200th start, celebrating with a retro grey livery similar to the one they debuted in 2016.
As for Max Verstappen, he must stay out of trouble to avoid an automatic one-race ban. The pressure is on, but the race promises to be an intense and exciting battle among the top teams.
Sports enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the upcoming race at Montreal's Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, as Max Verstappen strives to achieve an unparalleled fourth consecutive Canadian Grand Prix victory. Given his current standing, with only one penalty point away from a race ban, it will be crucial for him to maintain composure and avoid any unnecessary incidents during the race.
