VERSTAPPEN DELIVERS PATERNITY LEAVE JOKE

Dutchman, who has eight penalty points, hints that he'd be fine with a ban next year

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ABU DHABI - Newly crowned four-time world champion Max Verstappen faces a ban in 2025 if he collects four more penalty points on his super licence following his crash at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Dec 8.

The Dutchman attempted to pass McLaren's Oscar Piastri on turn 1 on the opening lap of the race, but crashed into his rival's car, sending them both spinning.

The accident could have been disastrous for McLaren, who were fighting Ferrari for the constructors' title. But they emerged on top thanks to Lando Norris winning from pole position.

Verstappen and Piastri recovered to join the race before the former was given a 10-second penalty and two points on his licence, taking him to eight in the last 12 months. If he reaches 12 within a year, he will be given an automatic one-race ban.

For Verstappen, who finished sixth at the Yas Marina Circuit, this means he must avoid penalties in the opening 11 races next season.

"Honestly, I don't want to talk about it," he said. "I'm just happy that the season is over.