Breaking:Verstappen Upset Over Unpunished Leclerc Incident as Co.…read more

Max Verstappen has expressed frustration following the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona, after an on-track incident involving Charles Leclerc was not penalized by the FIA stewards. According to Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko, “very clear footage” broadcast on Red Bull-affiliated ServusTV shows Leclerc allegedly “ramming” Verstappen during the race. Despite the apparent evidence, no action was taken against the Ferrari driver, which Marko says has left Verstappen feeling increasingly “upset,” especially considering a separate incident involving George Russell later in the race did result in a severe penalty for the Dutchman.

Verstappen, who had been executing a three-stop strategy during the race, saw his plan unravel following the appearance of a late Safety Car. The caution was triggered when Kimi Antonelli’s Mercedes broke down and came to a halt in the gravel at Turn 10 due to an engine failure. This moment turned the race on its head, leading to a final wave of pit stops among the leading drivers.

Unfortunately for Red Bull and Verstappen, the only compound left available to him at that stage was the hard tyre. Meanwhile, many of his closest competitors had the advantage of fitting the soft tyre, giving them significantly better grip and performance during the closing laps. This disparity left Verstappen vulnerable during the restart and contributed to his inability to maintain his position.

The controversy grew when the stewards handed Verstappen a 10-second time penalty and three Super Licence points for his role in a separate on-track tussle with Mercedes’ George Russell. Red Bull believes that the inconsistency in stewarding decisions — particularly the lack of investigation into the Leclerc incident — is unfair. Marko pointed out that the contact between Leclerc and Verstappen was not only evident but also clearly visible on video, making the lack of penalty puzzling.

The perceived double standard in FIA rulings has sparked debate among fans and insiders alike. Verstappen, known for his intense competitiveness, has been left frustrated by what he sees as unequal treatment. The incident with Leclerc, now highlighted by Red Bull media, is being used to question the consistency and transparency of the FIA’s decision-making process.

With tensions already high in the 2025 season, these controversies add another layer of drama to the title fight. Verstappen’s reaction reflects broader concerns within the Red Bull camp about how incidents are judged and whether certain drivers or teams are being treated more leniently than others.