A late collision into George Russell was among the controversial incidents that got Max Verstappen penalised during the 2025 F1 Spanish Grand Prix as the Dutchman’s frustration boiled over late race chaos.
The four-time Formula 1 world champion suffered far-reaching consequences for his title ambitions and reputation after the stewards slapped him with a 10-second time penalty and three penalty points on his FIA superlicence.
The Spanish Grand Prix had already delivered its share of drama before the fateful collision before it was thrown into disarray once more when Kimi Antonelli’s Mercedes came to a halt in the gravel at Turn 10, triggering a late Safety Car.
The Red Bull star had kept the pressure on the McLarens with a three-stop strategy compared to their two, and was on course for third place before the safety car.
However, the late development prompted a flurry of pit stops among the frontrunners with Oscar Piastri, Lando Norris, George Russell, and Charles Leclerc all switching to soft tires for the final sprint.
This ripped Verstappen’s strategy into pieces as he was left with only hard tyres as his remaining option, putting him at a distinct disadvantage as the race resumed with just a handful of laps remaining.
As the Safety Car peeled into the pits and the race resumed on Lap 61 of 66, the battle for the podium intensified with Leclerc and Russell immediately challenging Verstappen who was suffering with low grip into Turn 1.
While Leclerc mounted a charge to claim the final podium spot from Verstappen along on the straight, the two cars touched as the Ferrari moved back towards the racing line while still alongside the Red Bull.
Russell would later attempt to dive down the inside of Verstappen at Turn 1 forcing his Red Bull off the track but rejoined ahead of Russell, a move that would soon come under scrutiny.
The Red Bull pit wall realizing the move would potentially get Max Verstappen penalised for a subsequent gain in position, instructed him to concede position to Russell.
Verstappen clearly frustrated by the order appeared to comply as he moved aside at Turn 5 to allow Russell through. However, as Russell drew alongside at the apex Verstappen moved right resulting in contact between the Red Bull and the Mercedes.
While neither car sustained significant damage, the stewards viewed the incident as avoidable and unsportsmanlike, handing Verstappen a 10-second time penalty after the race.
The penalty had immediate and significant ramifications. Verstappen who had crossed the line in fifth place was demoted to 10th in the final classification, costing him valuable points in the championship battle.
However, the stewards were not done with him after the race as he was also handed three penalty points on his FIA superlicence, bringing his total to 11 out of a possible 12 within a 12-month period. Under Formula 1’s disciplinary system a driver who accrues 12 points faces an automatic one-race ban.
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With two more Grands Prix scheduled before any of Verstappen’s existing points expire, the Dutchman is now walking a disciplinary tightrope aware that any further infraction could see him sidelined for a race—a scenario that would have major implications for both his and Red Bull’s championship hopes.
Verstappen’s demotion to 10th place at the Spanish Grand Prix has dealt a significant blow to his championship campaign, leaving him 49 points adrift of Oscar Piastri in the drivers’ standings.
With the season entering a critical phase and the margins for error narrowing, the loss of points and the looming threat of a race ban could prove decisive in the battle for the title.
