Max Verstappen Warned Of Points Deduction Ahead Of F1 Title Fight Finale

Michael Masi, the F1 race director has warned that Max Verstappen could be docked points if his driving is unsportsmanlike and causes a crash or puts himself or any other driver in a dangerous position. Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton are both tied at 369.5 points each but Verstappen just needs to score the same amount of points as Hamilton to win the title as he has won more races. The only way the two will score the same amount of points is if they don't score any. Verstappen was heavily penalised in the last race in Jeddah for his aggressive and erratic driving. 

"I can't control the actions of the two individuals, only they can. But within the regulations we have penalties, be it time or grid penalties. In addition, the International Sporting Code has provision for the stewards to disqualify a competitor or dock championship points," said Michael Masi. 

"So, yes, Max could be deducted points, as could any team. We hope it isn't necessary, but it is one of the tools available. I will remind all the teams and drivers of these provisions," he added. 

The relationship between Hamilton and Verstappen has deteriorated as the title battle has drawn closer 

Lewis Hamilton is gunning for his record-breaking 8th world championship but he is up against the skillful Verstappen in the fast Red Bull Honda which won the race in Abu Dhabi last year. This year, Mercedes is expected to be more competitive but one doesn't know by how much, considering the track has also been modified. 

"I hope it is not decided in the stewards' room, but by the two guys out on the track. It is up to them and nobody else," Masi hoped. 

Masi was criticised for all the penalties that were meted out to Verstappen in the Saudi Arabian GP last weekend, and Red Bull's boss Christian Horner even said he missed Masi's predecessor the late Charlie Whiting who passed away on the cusp of the 2019 season opener. 

"We have seen in the heat of the battle both Christian and Toto (Wolff, of Mercedes) say various things off the cuff. They are entitled to their perspectives. I would be the first to say I miss having Charlie as a point of reference, with his huge experience. I and my team are doing the best job we can. People are upset if something doesn't go their way. I understand. It is elite sport," he added. 

In the past, both Senna in 1990, Schumacher in 1994 and 1997 have attempted to crash in the last race with their title rival to win the championship. In the case of Senna in 1990 and Schumacher in 1994, they were successful, while in 1997, Schumacher not only ended up beaching his car but after the race was disqualified from the championship.