F1 champion calls for Max Verstappen disqualification at...

F1 champion calls for Max Verstappen disqualification at…read more

The 2025 Spanish Prix became the center of heated debate after an on-track incident involving Red Bull driver Max Verstappen prompted a strong reaction from former Formula One World Champion Nico Rosberg. The dramatic moment, which saw Verstappen involved in a collision with a rival driver, led Rosberg to call for Verstappen’s immediate disqualification, accusing him of deliberately crashing.

The incident unfolded during a tense moment in the race when Verstappen appeared to make contact with a Mercedes car in a highly aggressive manner. While the collision did not end the race for either driver, it sparked immediate controversy. Following the contact, Verstappen eventually allowed the Mercedes driver to pass him and went on to complete the race in fifth position. However, the stewards later reviewed the footage and issued a time penalty, which resulted in Verstappen being demoted to 10th place in the final standings.

Nico Rosberg, the 2016 Formula One World Champion and now a prominent pundit for Sky Sports F1, did not mince his words during the live broadcast. Reacting to the replay of the incident, Rosberg expressed his outrage at Verstappen’s maneuver, stating: “Wow, that’s bad, bad, bad. He just rammed him full on. You need to black flag him.” The black flag in Formula One signifies disqualification from the race, and Rosberg’s demand underscored the seriousness with which he viewed Verstappen’s actions.

Rosberg’s comments quickly went viral among fans and analysts alike, sparking discussions across social media and the F1 paddock. While some agreed that Verstappen’s move was over the line and potentially dangerous, others defended the Red Bull driver, arguing that the contact may have been a racing incident or a moment of misjudgment rather than a deliberate act.

The stewards’ decision to issue a time penalty rather than a disqualification indicates that, while they deemed Verstappen’s move to be in breach of the rules, they did not consider it severe enough to warrant exclusion from the race. This has only added fuel to the debate, with many questioning whether the punishment fit the offense.

Max Verstappen, a three-time world champion and one of the most competitive drivers on the grid, has long been known for his aggressive racing style. While this approach has brought him great success, including multiple championships and race wins, it has also led to several controversial moments throughout his career. The Spanish Grand Prix incident now adds to that list and raises questions about how far a driver can push the limits before facing harsher consequences.

As for the impact on the championship standings, Verstappen’s drop from fifth to tenth cost him valuable points in what is shaping up to be a closely contested season. With rivals from Mercedes, Ferrari, and McLaren all showing strong performances this year, every point counts. Red Bull will likely review the incident internally, and Verstappen himself may address the criticism in upcoming interviews.

Meanwhile, Rosberg’s strong reaction is a reminder of the high standards expected at the top level of motorsport. As a former champion, his words carry weight, and his call for a black flag highlights the ongoing debate in Formula One about driving conduct, sportsmanship, and the role of penalties in maintaining fairness and safety.

With the next race just around the corner, all eyes will be on Verstappen to see how he responds — both on and off the track. Whether the controversy will affect his momentum or simply fuel his determination remains to be seen. One thing is clear: the Spanish Grand Prix has reignited the fierce passion and scrutiny that makes Formula One one of the world’s most thrilling sports.