FIA steward breaks silence on Max Verstappen punishment after..

FIA steward breaks silence on Max Verstappen punishment after….read more

FIA steward Derek Warwick has broken his silence on the controversial incident involving Max Verstappen and George Russell during the recent Spanish Grand Prix. The clash between the Red Bull and Mercedes drivers drew widespread attention, with many fans and analysts debating whether Verstappen had crossed the line. Warwick, a former Formula 1 driver and experienced steward, did not hold back in his assessment, declaring that Verstappen was “absolutely wrong” in his conduct during the incident.

The clash occurred in the latter stages of the race, which was already filled with tension and competitive drama. Verstappen, known for his aggressive driving style, found himself in a heated battle with George Russell, a known rival on the grid. The situation escalated when the two made contact, leading to criticism directed toward the Red Bull driver. The move was seen by many as overly aggressive, with some calling for a severe punishment, including a possible disqualification.

However, Warwick has firmly defended the decision made by the stewards at the time. According to him, the penalty imposed on Verstappen was appropriate and reflected the severity of the incident without being excessive. He described it as the “perfect” decision, suggesting that the stewards carefully considered all the relevant factors before coming to their conclusion.

“There were calls for a harsher punishment, but we have to remain consistent and fair,” Warwick said. “Yes, Max was absolutely in the wrong, but that doesn’t mean we jump to the harshest possible penalty. What we handed out was balanced and just.”

Warwick’s comments offer an important insight into the decision-making process behind Formula 1’s disciplinary actions. As stewards are often criticized for inconsistency or favoritism, Warwick’s statement aims to reassure fans and teams that penalties are issued based on evidence, context, and precedent—not emotion or public pressure.

The incident also reignited the ongoing rivalry between Verstappen and Russell, who have clashed both on and off the track in previous races. Verstappen was also reportedly unhappy with his own team’s instructions during the race, adding another layer of frustration to his Spanish Grand Prix experience.

While the incident remains a talking point in the paddock and among fans, Warwick’s defense of the stewards’ ruling may help to ease some of the controversy. For now, the focus shifts to the next race, but tensions between Verstappen and Russell will likely carry forward.