Max Verstappen handed clear race ban threat message

Max Verstappen has been handed a clear message by Red Bull team principal Christian Horner to get through this weekend's Austrian Grand Prix cleanly, to avoid a race ban. 

Should Verstappen receive one penalty point at the Red Bull Ring this weekend, he will be banned from the British Grand Prix. 

The four-time world champion would become just the second driver to receive a race ban since the introduction of the penalty points system, following Kevin Magnussen last season.

Red Bull's home circuit is a venue where collecting penalty points can be quite easy, particularly due to the challenging third and fourth corners which often feature incidents. 

If Verstappen does not receive a penalty point in Austria, his penalty points total will reduce to nine until October's race in Mexico City – 12 are required for a ban.

"We're looking forward to racing at the Red Bull Ring," Horner told select media, including RacingNews365. "It's always a great event, big track.  

"We obviously need to make sure we get through that weekend, and then I think following that race, the first of the points starts to drop off."

It is a significant weekend for the Milton Keynes-based outfit with it being its home grand prix, adding to the pressure of ensuring Verstappen does not collect a penalty point.

The Dutchman has a strong record in Austria, although failed to win last season following a shock collision with Lando Norris.

Based on the current performance of the RB21, Horner is unsure if a home win is on the cards.

"I think, Austria, probably our weakness at the moment is in the medium speed type of corner," highlighted Horner. 

"And I think that Austria, that middle sector  there's a bit of medium speed there. So, we'll see. I would expect, if it's hot, McLaren to again be stronger."