Max Verstappen will begin the Austrian Grand Prix weekend under increased scrutiny after the FIA officially confirmed disciplinary action following his heated exchange with the press during Thursday’s drivers’ conference.

The reigning four-time world champion lost his temper after repeated questions regarding his precarious disciplinary status, with 11 penalty points currently on his FIA super license — just one point short of a race ban.

Verstappen was visibly irritated when asked whether he would adjust his driving to avoid crossing the penalty threshold. “You’re joking… Is this like a trap? I’m getting this question every single time, every weekend,” the Dutchman snapped. “Sorry, this is the last one. I have nothing to add.”

Max Verstappen asked ‘is this a trap?’ during an awkward press conference exchange

Verstappen is walking a disciplinary tightrope after this crash with George Russell in Spain

But he said he had nothing to add on the dilemma a fortnight on from his ‘p***ed off’ admission

The FIA responded swiftly by issuing an official warning to Verstappen for what it described as “disrespectful conduct towards accredited media and a failure to uphold professional standards during an official press session.”

In a statement, the FIA clarified:

“While we understand the pressures drivers face ahead of a critical weekend, we remind all competitors that respectful engagement with the media is a key responsibility. Mr. Verstappen’s remarks were reviewed and a formal warning has been issued. Any repeat behavior may result in further sanctions, including fines or suspension of media privileges.”

The incident adds further pressure on Verstappen, who risks missing the British Grand Prix if he collects a single additional penalty point this weekend at Red Bull’s home circuit. Two of his current points are due to expire just days after the Austrian GP, making this round a critical hurdle.

Verstappen has been under the spotlight since his controversial clash with George Russell in Spain, where he was handed three penalty points for a 140mph collision. When asked if he feared suspension, Russell commented:

“That’s why you’ve got the penalty points there – if you keep driving recklessly, you’ll get a race ban. You’ve got that in your own hands. If he gets his 12 points, it wouldn’t be unjust.”

Despite the storm, Verstappen appeared to dismiss all speculation, including rumors linking him to Mercedes or Aston Martin.

“Oh, I’ve had that question before as well in my life… You want me to repeat what I said last year? I don’t even remember what I said last year, really,” he said flatly. “It’s just driving on, trying to push the performance and then we focus on next year.”

The Austrian Grand Prix now carries enormous stakes for Verstappen — not just for championship points, but for his immediate racing future.