F1 NEWS, FIA Issues Late Punishment Verdict as Max Verstappen

FIA Issues Late Punishment Verdict as Max Verstappen Owns Up Over Spanish Grand Prix Clash

In a dramatic post-race twist at the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix, the FIA has issued a late penalty to reigning world champion Max Verstappen following a controversial collision with Mercedes driver George Russell. The Red Bull driver has been handed a 10-second time penalty and three penalty points on his Super Licence after stewards concluded that Verstappen was “wholly at fault” for the incident.

The clash occurred on lap 63 shortly after a safety car restart, when Verstappen attempted a bold move down the inside of Russell at Turn 1. The maneuver resulted in contact between the two cars, with Russell pushed wide and losing position. Initially, Verstappen defended his actions, suggesting it was a racing incident, but later admitted fault in a social media post, stating, “That move was over the limit – not right, and I accept the stewards’ decision.”

The penalty drops Verstappen from fifth to tenth place in the final race classification, costing him valuable points in the championship battle. Meanwhile, McLaren capitalized on the drama with Oscar Piastri securing his maiden F1 victory, followed closely by teammate Lando Norris to complete a historic one-two finish for the team.

The incident has reignited debate in the paddock over aggressive driving and sportsmanship. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff labeled Verstappen’s move as “reckless,” while former world champion Nico Rosberg said the Red Bull driver “should consider himself lucky not to have been disqualified.” Red Bull boss Christian Horner acknowledged the mistake but emphasized Verstappen’s emotional reaction stemmed from intense competitive pressure.

Of greater concern to Verstappen is his current tally of 11 penalty points on his Super Licence—just one short of the 12-point threshold that triggers an automatic one-race ban. With back-to-back races in Canada and Austria ahead, the Dutch driver is now walking a tightrope that could have serious implications for his title hopes.

The FIA’s delay in issuing the penalty has also raised eyebrows, as the verdict came several hours after the checkered flag. Critics argue the late decision disrupted team strategies and race outcomes, especially for drivers affected by the reshuffling of positions post-penalty.

Elsewhere, Lewis Hamilton’s struggles at Ferrari continued. Although he gained a place due to Verstappen’s demotion, finishing sixth, Hamilton voiced frustration with the team’s lack of pace and execution. The seven-time champion is still searching for a breakthrough podium with Ferrari, with his best finish this season being fourth at Imola.

The Spanish Grand Prix will likely be remembered not only for McLaren’s triumph but for the controversy surrounding Verstappen’s conduct. The reigning champion now faces intense scrutiny, both on and off the track, as he prepares for two critical weekends that could define his 2025 season.

As the Formula 1 calendar moves to Montreal, all eyes will be on whether Verstappen can keep his composure—and his licence—intact.