The tension around Formula 1 continues to rise high now that Max Verstappen, reigning world champion and public favorite, possibly risks a punishment with the upcoming Grand Prix of Italy. The reason is the events during the Grand Prix of the Netherlands in Zandvoort, where Verstappen managed to win again, but where some of his actions during the race and the safety periods caught the attention of the stewards.

According to various sources within the Paddock, the FIA ​​investigates a few moments in which Verstappen may defend too aggressively and benefited in a questionable way during a restart. Although Verstappen himself stated in the press conference that “he” did nothing wrong and just raced hard, “several teams have expressed their worries in the competition management. Especially the incident with Lando Norris, where the McLaren driver had to go outside the track to avoid a collision, is central to the study.

The possible punishment can vary from a warning to a grid penalty at the start in Monza. For Verstappen, who is currently comfortably leading in the world championship, such a punishment would perhaps not pose a direct threat to his title aspirations, but would be a big symbolic blow. It would also give Red Bull Extra Motivation to strike the fast circuit of Monza, where Ferrari and McLaren traditionally look strong.

The Dutch fans, who were en masse behind their hero in Zandvoort, respond divided. On the one hand, many think that Verstappen just does what every champion should do: fight for position and not admit a millimeter. On the other hand, there is a growing awareness that the FIA, which lately has a sharper overseer on racing behavior, can act strictly if the boundaries are too often looked.

The issue is also widely discussed in Italy. The Italian media, who traditionally regard Monza as their “holy temple of the speed”, see in a possible punishment for Verstappen an opportunity for Ferrari to finally participate in his own audience again for the victory. “If Verstappen is put back on the grid, it opens the door for Leclerc and Sainz,” wrote the SportkrantLa Gazzetta dello Sport.

In the meantime, Red Bull Racing emphasizes that no violations have been seen and that people have full confidence in a fair assessment by the FIA. Team boss Christian Horner spoke clear language: “Max has raced fantastic for his home crowd. He earns praise, no punishment. We will present all arguments and count on an objective decision.”

Whatever the outcome, the controversy adds an extra low voltage to a season that is already full of spectacle. The Grand Prix of Italy, which will be held this weekend, gets a new story: can Verstappen dominate again despite the threat of a punishment, or do his rivals get the chance to make the difference?

One thing is certain: the eyes of the entire Formula 1 world will be focused on Monza, where not only speed, but also justice and sporting boundaries will be the conversation of the day.