Dutchman Reflects on Costly Clash After Spanish Grand Prix
Max Verstappen says “frustration” led to his controversial clash with George Russell during the closing stages of the Spanish Grand Prix, admitting the move “was not right and shouldn’t have happened.”
The four-time world champion received a 10-second penalty after colliding with Russell’s Mercedes in the final laps at Turn Five, dropping from fifth to tenth in the final classification.
“I always give everything out there for the team and emotions can run high,” Verstappen posted on Monday. “You win some together, you lose some together.”
The incident left Verstappen 49 points behind McLaren’s Oscar Piastri in the 2025 Formula 1 standings.
“He Let Himself Down,” Says Russell
George Russell didn’t mince words after the race, accusing Verstappen of deliberately making contact and saying the Dutchman “let himself down” with his actions in Barcelona.
On Sunday, Verstappen dismissed the criticism with a jab, saying he would “bring some tissues next time,” but by Monday, the tone had shifted toward reflection.
“Our tyre choice and some moves after the safety car restart fuelled my frustration, leading to a move that was not right,” Verstappen added.
The Incident Unpacked
Before the clash, Verstappen had been running in third place until a late-race safety car triggered a flurry of pit stops. While most opted for soft tyres, Red Bull controversially fitted Verstappen with hards.
He struggled for grip on the restart, was passed by Charles Leclerc and then Russell, with whom he banged wheels at Turn One. Verstappen accused Russell of barging him off the track.
Stewards investigated Verstappen for leaving the track and gaining an advantage. Red Bull, seeking to avoid a penalty, instructed him to let Russell back through.
Verstappen reluctantly obeyed — but moments later, on lap 64 of 66, he slowed to appear compliant, then reaccelerated into Turn Five and made contact with Russell’s rear tyre.
The stewards determined Verstappen had “suddenly accelerated” into Russell, warranting a 10-second penalty and three penalty points.
He now has 11 points on his Super Licence — just one away from a one-race ban.
Horner: “Frustration Took Over”
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said Verstappen was “obviously upset and annoyed” and admitted the tyre call was a misjudgement.
“Max was frustrated — you could see that,” said Horner. “We’ll deal with it internally.”
Still in the Championship Hunt
Despite the penalty, Verstappen remains in the title race, albeit with a tougher mountain to climb.
“I’ve never said I was in the championship fight,” he remarked after the race — though mathematically, he still is.
If the reigning champion returns to form and focuses on extracting the maximum from each weekend, his chances remain alive.
