Singapore GP marks important step towards clean slate for Verstappen

The end of the Italian Grand Prix marked an important step towards a clean slate for Max Verstappen, as the number of penalty points he amassed was reduced to five.

Formula 1 stewards hand out penalty points if a driver is caught up in an on-track incident, however these points get wiped after a 12-month period. If a driver amasses more than 12 points in that time, then they will be given an automatic race ban.

Intense title battle with Hamilton

The majority of points for Verstappen were a legacy of his intense championship battle with Lewis Hamilton throughout 2021, collecting seven points in the second half of the season last year.

During the race at Monza, the Red Bull driver crashed at the pit lane exit with Hamilton at the Variant Chicane. Verstappen was deemed to be at blame and as a result was given two penalty points.

Further penalty points were amassed for ignoring double yellow flags in Qatar during qualifying, one penalty point for gaining an advantage after breaking track limits, and another two for causing a crash with Hamilton at Saudi Arabia.

Keeping a clean slate

Verstappen was four off a race ban heading into the 2022 season, meaning for the first half he had to keep a clean slate or he would risk coming close.

Monza marks 16 races that he's not received any penalty points or reprimand so far, which means his penalty points total has now been reduced to five.

The Red Bull driver could therefore risk picking up more points, however with the championship nearly tied up it would not be necessary. His next points expire after November 20th (two points) and December 5th (three points).