Max Verstappen Handed F1 Title Boost After Mexico GP as FIA Rule Updated

Max Verstappen has been given a boost in his bid to win the Formula 1 world title after an FIA rule update following the Mexico Grand Prix.

Heading into last weekend's Mexico Grand Prix at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, Verstappen was firmly back in the title fight, having won three out of the previous four races.

However, in Mexico City, Verstappen was left disappointed as he only managed to finish third, behind Ferrari star Charles Leclerc and McLaren's Lando Norris.

Following Norris' dominant victory, he now leads Oscar Piastri by one point in the standings, and has a gap of 36 points between himself and Verstappen.

On the back of the Mexico Grand Prix, Verstappen can breathe a little easier after a number of his penalty points were removed following an FIA update.

Points are added to a driver's super license if they breach the FIA's racing guidelines, with the system designed to monitor and enforce driving standards.

If a driver amasses 12 points within 12 months, a race ban will be handed out.

Max Verstappen is looking to win his fifth F1 world title. Image: Getty

Heading into the Mexico race weekend, Verstappen had nine points on his super license, but he will head into the next Grand Prix with just six.

As per GP Blog, the Dutchman has seen the two penalty points received at last season's Mexico Grand Prix for twice forcing Norris off track removed.

In addition, the point he earned at last year’s Brazilian Grand Prix Sprint for a safety car infringement has also been taken off.

Aside from Verstappen, Oliver Bearman has also seen two penalty points removed, meaning he will head into the Brazilian Grand Prix with eight points on his super license.

At the same time, Piastri now has just four penalty points attached to his name after two were taken off following last weekend's race.

Following the points update, Verstappen can race a little harder knowing a potential race ban is currently not on the horizon, giving him more room to fight the McLarens.

F1 returns next weekend with the Brazilian Grand Prix, taking place around the Autódromo José Carlos Pace in Sao Paulo.