Max Verstappen launched into a heated confrontation with a journalist during Thursday's press conference at the Austrian Grand Prix, challenging whether a question about his penalty points situation was "a trap".
The reigning world champion's frustration boiled over when questioned about his disciplinary record at the Red Bull Ring.
"You're joking... Is this like a trap? I'm getting this question every single time, every weekend," Verstappen said, before cutting off further discussion.
"Sorry, this is the last one. I have nothing to add."
Max Verstappen launched into a heated confrontation with a journalist during Thursday's press conference at the Austrian Grand Prix, challenging whether a question about his penalty points situation was "a trap"
REUTERS
The Dutch driver had previously expressed his anger about the topic in Canada, where he declared himself "p****d off" at repeated questions about his penalty points, calling such enquiries "childish".
The tense exchange occurred when Verstappen was asked whether he would need to modify his driving approach given his precarious disciplinary position.
His sharp response revealed mounting frustration with media coverage of the issue, which has dominated press conferences in recent races.
Max Verstappen has blown hot and cold this season as the Austrian Grand Prix looms
REUTERS
The four-time world champion currently sits on 11 penalty points, just one short of an automatic race ban.
Should he incur another penalty point during the Austrian Grand Prix weekend, he would be forced to miss the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.
The situation has placed Verstappen under intense scrutiny, with every on-track incident potentially triggering a suspension that would mark a significant moment in Formula One history.
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However, if Verstappen avoids further penalties this weekend, two of his points will expire before the Silverstone race, providing crucial relief.
The Dutchman's most recent sanction came at the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona, where he received three penalty points for a dangerous manoeuvre against Mercedes driver George Russell at 140mph.
Kevin Magnussen remains the only Formula One driver to have served a race ban under the current penalty points system.
Russell commented on the situation: "That's why you've got the penalty points there if you keep driving recklessly, you'll get a race ban.
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"You've got that in your own hands and it doesn't go without risk. If he gets his 12 points it wouldn't be unjust."
Verstappen also faced questions about his future at Red Bull, with speculation linking him to potential moves to Mercedes and Aston Martin despite his contract running until 2028.
The world champion dismissed the rumours with characteristic bluntness during the press conference.
George Russell says it 'wouldn't be unjust' if Max Verstappen received a penalty ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix
REUTERS
"Oh, I've had that question before as well in my life... You want me to repeat what I said last year?" he responded.
"I don't even remember what I said last year, really. It's just driving on, trying to push the performance and then we focus on next year."
His curt response suggested little patience for ongoing speculation about his commitment to the Milton Keynes-based team.
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