Max Verstappen admits blame as Red Bull star issues offical S…read more
Max Verstappen has publicly acknowledged his role in a contentious incident during the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix, where he collided with Mercedes driver George Russell. The crash, which occurred after a late-race safety car period, led to Verstappen receiving a 10-second time penalty and three penalty points on his super licence, bringing his total to 11 over the past 12 months—just one point shy of a race ban .
The Incident
The controversy unfolded on lap 64 when Verstappen, having been instructed by his team to let Russell pass for fourth place, appeared to deliberately collide with the Mercedes driver after initially yielding. The move was widely criticized, with former F1 World Champion Nico Rosberg describing it as a “horrible” act and calling for Verstappen’s disqualification . Russell expressed disappointment, stating that the incident felt intentional and lamenting Verstappen’s behavior given his influential status in the sport .
Verstappen’s Response
Following the race, Verstappen issued a statement via Instagram, admitting that his actions were “not right” and should not have happened. He explained that the safety car period and subsequent tire strategy changes had fueled his frustration, leading to the regrettable move. Verstappen emphasized his commitment to the team and acknowledged that emotions can run high during intense racing moments .
Penalties and Championship Implications
In addition to the time penalty, Verstappen’s actions earned him three penalty points on his super licence. With a total of 11 points over the past 12 months, he is now just one point away from a race ban. However, two of these points will expire at the end of June, before the upcoming Canadian Grand Prix .
The incident has had significant repercussions on the championship standings. Verstappen’s demotion to 10th place in the race results has left him 49 points behind the championship leader, Oscar Piastri, who secured victory at the Spanish Grand Prix .
Broader Reactions
The collision has sparked widespread debate within the F1 community. Many have condemned Verstappen’s actions as dangerous and unsportsmanlike, while others believe the penalties imposed were insufficient. The incident has raised questions about the consistency and severity of penalties in Formula 1 and the standards expected of drivers at the pinnacle of motorsport.
Looking Ahead
As the Formula 1 season progresses, Verstappen’s conduct and the consistency of race stewarding will continue to be closely scrutinized. The upcoming Canadian Grand Prix will be a crucial test for the reigning World Champion, who will need to demonstrate both on-track skill and sportsmanship to maintain his championship aspirations.
