FIA issues late penalty verdict as max Verstappen Disqualificatio

FIA issues late penalty verdict as max Verstappen Disqualification Dem…read more

At the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix, Max Verstappen became the center of major controversy following a dramatic incident with George Russell that led to calls for his disqualification. The clash occurred during a late safety car restart when Verstappen, seemingly frustrated by team orders to let Russell through, allowed him to pass briefly before making contact with the Mercedes driver in what many have called a deliberate move. The moment drew immediate criticism and sparked widespread debate across the Formula 1 world.

The FIA responded to the incident by issuing Verstappen a 10-second time penalty along with three penalty points on his super license. This penalty saw him fall from fifth to tenth in the final race classification. More importantly, Verstappen is now sitting at 11 penalty points, just one shy of the 12-point threshold that triggers an automatic one-race suspension. With no penalty points expiring until after the upcoming Canadian and Austrian Grands Prix, Verstappen now faces intense scrutiny over his conduct in the next few races.

The reaction from the F1 paddock was swift and severe. George Russell was visibly upset after the race, labeling the maneuver as both dangerous and intentional. He emphasized that such behavior not only threatens safety but also sets a terrible example for younger drivers watching the sport. Several fellow drivers and former champions echoed Russell’s sentiment. Nico Rosberg, a former world champion himself, described Verstappen’s actions as “horrible” and strongly advocated for his disqualification. Lando Norris, who finished second, sarcastically compared the move to something out of a video game, calling it a “Mario Kart” tactic.

Despite the backlash, Verstappen showed little remorse. When questioned about the incident, he responded with sarcasm, joking that he would bring tissues to Russell. His dismissive attitude further fueled the criticism surrounding his sportsmanship and the FIA’s handling of discipline in the sport.

Overshadowed by the drama was a remarkable performance by McLaren, who secured a dominant one-two finish. Oscar Piastri took the win with Lando Norris closely behind, pushing Piastri even further ahead in the championship standings. The young Australian now holds a commanding lead, placing him in a strong position as the season continues.

As the F1 community debates the implications of Verstappen’s actions, there are growing concerns over driver behavior and the consistency of the FIA’s penalty system. With Verstappen one point away from a race ban, his actions will be under a microscope in the next rounds, as Formula 1 seeks to balance competitive spirit with fairness and safety on t

he track.