Max Verstappen faces backlash after his reckless move on George Russell at the Spanish GP, sparking FIA scrutiny and widespread criticism.
Verstappen has found few allies to defend him after his actions yesterday at the Spanish Grand Prix, where he deliberately collided with George Russell’s Mercedes F1. The Red Bull driver has since issued an apology via his social media accounts.
The Dutchman, who ceded his position to the Briton at the request of his team, made a move described as “incomprehensible” by Toto Wolff, the German team’s principal.
Speaking to Austrian television, Wolff was even more scathing: “If that was road rage, then it’s not good. It was like some taxi drivers in Rome or Naples, who go crazy in traffic jams. If he did it out of anger, it’s unacceptable.”
Russell, who does not get along well with his rival, reacted with restraint, suggesting that Verstappen might not be the best role model for children.
“I’ll bring him tissues next time,” Verstappen had retorted.
“He used his car as a battering ram,” said Alex Wurz, who, along with Russell, is a director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association.
Some believe Verstappen made the move — letting Russell line up alongside him before forcing him wide — to mirror exactly what the British driver had done at Turn 2 after the safety car period.
“I have nothing to say,” Verstappen replied when questioned about it. “I was rightly penalised for the move and have nothing else to add.”
He did add, however, that he had no intention of discussing it with Russell. “In life, you shouldn’t have too many regrets. Because you only live once.”
While Christian Horner struggled yesterday to justify Verstappen’s actions, opting instead to mention an internal clarification, as expected, Red Bull advisor Dr. Helmut Marko came to his driver’s defense — albeit timidly.
“The emotion was high throughout that situation. That’s part of racing. Honestly, I think our biggest issue lies in the racing standards, what is allowed and what isn’t, which isn’t very natural. It’s quite frustrating, and that frustration was reflected in his driving style. I’d rather not go into details.”
Even Dutch media are having a hard time excusing their driver this morning.
The NOS channel clearly did not endorse the Red Bull driver’s actions: “This attitude does not suit Verstappen. With an iron hand, he has dictated Formula 1 in recent years. Will this driver never be content with a second or third place? During the race, his fighting spirit resurfaced, although the shove against Russell seemed more like the mentality of a sore loser.”
Verstappen has now issued an apology for his behaviour yesterday, via his Instagram account.
“We had an exciting strategy and a good race in Barcelona, until the safety car intervention.”
“Our tyre choice to the end and some moves after the safety car restart fed my frustration, which led to a move that was not the right one and shouldn’t have happened.”
“I always give everything for the team and emotions can run high. Sometimes we win together, sometimes we lose together. See you in Montreal.”
It remains to be seen what action the FIA might take, as a frustrated driver capable of such a move could face further investigation for breaching the International Sporting Code.
Ralf Schumacher Raises Conspiracy Theory
And what if all of this was calculated by Verstappen? That’s the conspiracy theory posed by Ralf Schumacher. You might see it circulating on social media, so we address it here.
The Dutchman came to the Spanish GP amid rumours that losing third place in the drivers’ standings by the end of June could activate a release clause in his Red Bull contract.
Ralf Schumacher suggests that Verstappen might have deliberately orchestrated the penalty to lose points, take a race suspension, and edge closer to triggering the termination clause in question.
“One has to pay attention to the reasons why such things happen and why he gets such an unnecessary penalty. We’re aware of that clause. It’s a critical phase for him.”
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