Formula 1 scandal! New FIA evidence stirs up controversy between Verstappen and Russell at the 2025 Spanish GP
The 2025 Spanish Grand Prix has 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 Red Bull driver Max Verstappen’s maneuver, which resulted in a 10-second penalty following a collision with Mercedes’ George Russell. This incident, accompanied by a tense radio conversation, has ignited 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.
A crash that unleashed the storm
The Spanish GP, held on June 1, 2025, witnessed a moment of high tension on lap 64. Four-time world champion Verstappen found himself in a fierce battle for position after a late Safety Car. On hard tires and a risky three-stop strategy, the Dutchman was fighting to stay in the top five. However, a clash 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 give the position back to Russell to avoid a penalty, Verstappen appeared to relent, but at Turn 5, he suddenly accelerated and collided with the Mercedes car. The stewards didn’t hesitate: a 10-second penalty and three points on his superlicense, leaving the driver with 11 of the 12 points allowed in a year. One more point, and Verstappen faces a suspension, an unprecedented move for a reigning champion.
New FIA evidence: Was it intentional?
The FIA recently released telemetry and on-board video footage confirming the abruptness of Verstappen’s maneuver. The data shows that the driver significantly reduced his speed before Turn 5, giving the impression he was about to give up position, but accelerated abruptly as Russell attempted to overtake him. This move, described as “dangerous” by the stewards, has been described by some, such as former champion Nico Rosberg, as a deliberate act. “He braked and hit him. It’s an intentional act of retaliation,” Rosberg said on 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. This communication, leaked and widely shared on social media, has sparked a debate about 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 relegated him to tenth place, scoring just one point in a race dominated by McLaren’s 1-2 finish (Piastri and Norris). George Russell, for his part, was not short of criticism: “I don’t know if it was a battle, it was more of a race of destruction,” commented the Briton, who finished fourth. Tensions between the two drivers, already marked by previous clashes in Azerbaijan 2023 and Qatar 2024, have reached a new peak.
Verstappen, in an attempt to calm the waters, posted a message on Instagram admitting his mistake: “The maneuver wasn’t correct and shouldn’t have happened. Emotions sometimes get the better of me.” However, his recent record of penalties (Mexico 2024, Abu Dhabi 2024) puts him in a delicate position. With 11 points on his superlicense, the upcoming races in Canada and Austria will be crucial. One more 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 not only affects Verstappen, but also calls into question the consistency of the FIA’s sanctions. While some, like Rosberg, consider the penalty lenient, others believe 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 achieve a fifth consecutive title.
Formula 1 prepares for Canada
As the Formula 1 circus moves to Montreal, all eyes will be on Verstappen. Can he control his temper and avoid a historic penalty? The rivalry with Russell, pressure from McLaren, and Red Bull’s strategic decisions promise an electrifying spectacle. Follow the action on social media and don’t miss the next chapter in this on-track saga.
