The 2025 Spanish Grand Prix left a trail of controversy that continues to be a hot topic in the world of Formula 1. The International Automobile Federation (FIA) has revealed new evidence that sheds light on the maneuver by Red Bull driver Max Verstappen that resulted in a 10-second penalty after a collision with Mercedes’ George Russell. The incident, accompanied by a tense radio exchange, has reignited social media and promises to keep the paddock on edge ahead of the upcoming Canadian Grand Prix. What really happened at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya? Here’s the full story.
An accident that triggered the storm
The Spanish Grand Prix, held on 1 June 2025, saw a moment of high tension on lap 64. Four-time world champion Verstappen found himself in a tight battle for position following a late Safety Car. On hard tyres and a risky three-stop strategy, the Dutchman was fighting to stay in the top five. However, a collision with Russell at Turn 1, where the Mercedes driver forced him to use the run-off area, unleashed Verstappen’s fury.
When Red Bull ordered him to hand the position back to Russell to avoid a penalty, Verstappen appeared to give in, but at Turn 5 he accelerated suddenly and collided with the Mercedes car. The stewards did not hesitate: a 10-second penalty and three points on his super license, leaving the driver with 11 of the 12 points awarded in a year. One more point and Verstappen risks a suspension, an unprecedented measure for a reigning champion.
New FIA evidence: Was it intentional?
The FIA recently released telemetry and on-board video footage confirming the suddenness of Verstappen’s move. The data shows the driver slowed significantly ahead of Turn 5, giving the impression he was about to lose position, but accelerated sharply when Russell attempted to pass him. The move, described as “dangerous” by the stewards, was described by some, including former champion Nico Rosberg, as a deliberate act. “He braked and hit him. It was an intentional act of retaliation,” Rosberg told Sky Sports F1.
The radio conversation between Verstappen and his engineer Gianpiero Lambiase also added fuel to the fire. “Why should I give up the position? He took me off the track!” exclaimed a frustrated Verstappen, making clear his disagreement with the team’s strategy. That communication, leaked and widely shared on social media, sparked a debate over whether the Dutchman acted impulsively or deliberately.
Reactions and consequences: Verstappen at the limit
The incident not only cost Verstappen a possible top-five finish, but also relegated him to tenth place, scoring just one point in a race dominated by the McLaren one-two (Piastri and Norris). George Russell, for his part, was not shy about his criticism: “I don’t know if it was a battle, it was more of a race of destruction,” commented the Briton, who finished fourth. The tension between the two drivers, already marked by previous clashes in Azerbaijan 2023 and Qatar 2024, reached a new peak.
Verstappen, trying to calm things down, posted a message on Instagram admitting his mistake: “The move was not correct and should not have happened. Sometimes emotions get the better of me.” However, his recent history of penalties (Mexico 2024, Abu Dhabi 2024) puts him in a delicate position. With 11 points on his super license, the upcoming races in Canada and Austria will be crucial. A new penalty could leave Red Bull without its star driver for the Austrian GP, something the team is already considering with the possible replacement of Isack Hadjar.
What does this mean for Formula 1?
This incident does not only affect Verstappen, but also calls into question the consistency of the FIA’s sanctions. While some, like Rosberg, consider the penalty to be lenient, others believe that the pressure on Verstappen could alter his approach on the track. With McLaren leading the constructors’ championship (362 points to Red Bull’s 144) and Piastri 49 points behind Verstappen in the drivers’ championship, the Dutchman faces a monumental challenge to win a fifth consecutive title.
Formula 1 prepares for Canada
With the Formula 1 circus moving to Montreal, all eyes will be on Verstappen. Can he control his temper and avoid a historic penalty? The rivalry with Russell, the pressure from McLaren and the strategic decisions from Red Bull promise an electrifying spectacle. Follow the action on social media and don’t miss the next chapter in this saga on the track.
