JUST IN :FIA confirm further punishment as Max Verstappen owns up over Spanish Grand Prix…Read more
In the aftermath of the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix, Formula 1’s governing body, the FIA, has imposed additional penalties following a contentious incident involving Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Mercedes’ George Russell. The clash occurred during the closing laps of the race at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, leading to widespread criticism and disciplinary action.
The incident unfolded on lap 64 after a late safety car period had bunched up the field. Verstappen, struggling on hard tyres while others had switched to softer compounds, was overtaken by Charles Leclerc. As Russell attempted to pass Verstappen, the Dutch driver initially appeared to yield but then made contact with Russell’s car at Turn 5. On-board footage suggested that Verstappen had sufficient space to avoid the collision, raising questions about the move’s intent.
Post-race, Verstappen received a 10-second time penalty and two penalty points on his FIA Super Licence, bringing his total to 11 points within a 12-month period. This places him one point away from an automatic race ban, a situation that could have significant implications for his championship aspirations.
Initially dismissive of the incident, Verstappen later issued a statement on social media, acknowledging that his actions were “not right and shouldn’t have happened.” He attributed his behavior to frustration over race strategy and tyre choices.
The racing community reacted strongly to the incident. Former world champion Nico Rosberg described Verstappen’s move as intentional retaliation, suggesting it warranted a black-flag disqualification. Sky Sports analyst Anthony Davidson labeled the act as deliberate. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff expressed concern over Verstappen’s aggressive behavior under pressure, contrasting it with his previously composed demeanor.
The FIA’s decision and Verstappen’s near-ban status have sparked discussions about consistency in stewarding and the enforcement of racing regulations. As the championship battle intensifies, Verstappen’s actions and the FIA’s responses will likely remain focal points in the ongoing season narrative.
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