F1 Spanish Grand Prix: Max Verstappen hit with penalty after controversial act

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Formula 1 star Max Barstappen caused a stir at Sunday’s decline moments Spanish Grand Prix It appeared he was intentionally in contact with driver George Russell.

This issue began with a reboot after about four laps to get to the race. Verstappen was trying to catch speed, but turned sideways on the front stretch. He rescued the car by spinning and crashing it, but Charles Leclair managed to get it around. Leclerc and Verstappen touched temporarily as Ferrari racers moved around Red Bull Driver.

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Red Bull’s Max Verstappen before the race. (Reuters/Bruna Casas)

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc will pilot his car in front of Mercedes driver George Russell at the Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday, June 1, 2025 at Barcelona Catalonia Racecourse in Montmelo near Barcelona, Spain. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort)

Russell was also on the Austrian tail when Leclerc zoomed past Verstappen. Russell went inside Barstappen on the first turn, and the Red Bull Racer was kicked out of the track. He was ahead of Russell for the time being. The replay showed Verstappen and Russell had contact.

Verstappen is then told by his team to let him pass to alleviate any possible concerns about whether Russell had arrived illegally before the Mercedes driver.

On lap 64, it appeared Verstappen was about to get Russell to pass, but the two ended up making wheel-to-wheel contact. Russell retreated and Verstappen pulled forward.

On Sunday, June 1st, 2025, the Red Bull Driver Max Barstappen was held during the Spanish Grand Prix at Montmelo in Spain. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort)

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“What’s f —?…He crashed me,” Russell was asked on the radio.

Verstappen ultimately gave up position to Russell before the race was over. Russell finished in fourth, with Verstappen initially finishing fifth, but was hit by a 10-second penalty. He fell to 10th place after discipline.