Max Verstappen has aimed another dig at F1 rival George Russell after he appeared to allegedly cause a collision with the Mercedes driver during the Spanish Grand Prix.
As a safety car caused by Kimi Antonelli during the Spanish Grand Prix returned to the pits during the closing laps of the Spanish Grand Prix, perhaps the most dramatic moment of the 2025 F1 season followed.
After being told to let Mercedes' Russell overtake him because of a perceived illegal overtake, reigning champion Verstappen chose to ignore his orders and appeared to intentionally collide with his rival.
Despite calls for him to be disqualified, the Red Bull driver was later handed a 10 second penalty, taking him down from third to P10 in the race, while he was also handed three penalty points.
Advert
Post-race both drivers have been outspoken about the incident, with Russell expressing disappointment with Verstappen's behaviour given his talents as a driver.
Verstappen initially was relatively reluctant to speak about the moment, Russell's comments appeared to further rile up the four-time champion.
Speaking post-race, Russell said: "If it was truly deliberate then absolutely, because you cannot deliberately crash into another driver.
“We are putting our lives on the line. We are fortunate the cars are as safe as they are these days but we shouldn’t take it for granted.
“It felt very deliberate. It is something I have seen numerous times in sim racing and go-karts. I have never seen it in a Formula One race. It felt strange, bizarre and I really don’t know what was going through his mind.
“It is a shame because Max is one of the best drivers in the world but manoeuvres like that are totally unnecessary. It lets him down, and it is a shame for all of the young kids looking up to us, aspiring to be Formula One drivers.”
Responding to Russell’s criticism, Verstappen didn't hold back, saying: “Well, I’ll bring some tissues next time.
“He has his view, I have my view. It’s better not to comment. In life you shouldn’t regret too many things. (I have) no regrets.”
However, after he had more time to reflect on the moment, it appears that the Dutchman did in fact regret the move, as he admitted that he should not have acted in that way.
Posting on Instagram on Monday morning, Verstappen confessed: "We had an exciting strategy and good race in Barcelona, till the safety car came out.
"Our tyre choice to the end and some moves after the safety car restart fuelled my frustration, leading to a move that was not right and shouldn’t have happened. I always give everything out there for the team and emotions can run high.
"You win some together, you lose some together. See you in Montreal."
Topics: Max Verstappen, George Russell, Mercedes, Red Bull Racing, Formula 1
Ben McCrum