Mercedes driver George Russell stated that the contact with Max Verstappen during the Spanish Grand Prix `felt deliberate` and described the maneuver as `totally unnecessary`.
The incident occurred with three laps left in the race at Turn 5 as they contested fourth position. The collision happened shortly after Red Bull instructed Verstappen to allow Russell to pass.
Race stewards penalized Verstappen with a 10-second time penalty for causing the collision. This dropped him from fifth place to tenth in the final standings and added three penalty points to his super license, bringing him close to an automatic race ban.
Russell commented that he was “as surprised” as observers, noting such moves are common in simulations or go-karting but unprecedented in F1. He highlighted their respective finishing positions (Russell P4, Verstappen P10) and confessed uncertainty about Verstappen`s intentions, but maintained that the contact “felt deliberate in the moment” and was thus “surprising.”
When questioned about whether the contact was intentional, Verstappen responded, “Does it matter? I prefer to speak about the race rather than one single moment,” declining to elaborate on the specific incident.
Red Bull`s instruction for Verstappen to yield the position stemmed from an earlier incident during the Safety Car restart, where contact at Turn 1 led to Verstappen cutting the chicane and unfairly retaining his position ahead of Russell.
Although Verstappen eventually allowed Russell past following their second collision, former F1 world champion Nico Rosberg suggested that the defending champion`s actions warranted a `black flag`.
When asked about Rosberg`s view, Russell declined to comment directly, stating it wasn`t his place to judge and that his focus was on improving Mercedes` car performance. He emphasized that the decision on intent rested with the stewards. Russell acknowledged Verstappen`s talent but expressed disappointment, saying it`s “a shame something like that continues to occur,” calling it “totally unnecessary” and seemingly counterproductive for Verstappen himself.
Christian Horner on the Incident
The incident further impacted Verstappen`s championship position; he currently trails championship leader Oscar Piastri, the Spanish GP winner, by 49 points.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner offered his perspective, suggesting that the instruction for Verstappen to cede the position contributed to the subsequent collision at Turn 5. Horner noted the lack of clear guidance from the FIA on such incidents and explained that, anticipating a penalty, Max was told to give the place back.
Verstappen was reportedly frustrated by this, feeling Russell gave him no space and wasn`t in full control. Horner stated that after discussing with his engineer, Verstappen chose to yield at Turn 5, resulting in contact. Horner expressed frustration with the stewards` decision to penalize Verstappen 10 seconds and add penalty points, which he felt cost Red Bull a likely podium, resulting in only one point from the race.
Pundit Reactions
Nico Rosberg
Former world champion Nico Rosberg described the contact as appearing to be “a very intentional retaliation.” He characterized it as Verstappen waiting for Russell and deliberately colliding, likening it to the earlier Turn 1 contact. Rosberg strongly felt this was “extremely unacceptable,” arguing that such an action should warrant a `black flag`.
Anthony Davidson
Anthony Davidson of Sky Sports F1 found Verstappen`s actions after Turn 4 perplexing, questioning why he slowed down only to seemingly decide not to let Russell pass. Davidson suggested Verstappen intentionally carried excessive speed into the corner, performing a “divebomb” that resulted in a hard hit on the Mercedes. Citing Russell`s immediate radio reaction, Davidson concluded, “I think it`s intentional and I don`t like to see that,” though he didn`t fault Verstappen`s actions leading up to that point.
Naomi Schiff
Naomi Schiff attributed the incident to temperament, noting Verstappen`s existing frustration with his tire strategy. She added that frustration from an earlier incident with Charles Leclerc, which Verstappen felt was mishandled, likely contributed. Schiff suggested Verstappen believed Russell was at fault in their incident, concluding that when Verstappen is provoked, “the lion comes out.”
Gilbert Pendleton