Max Verstappen’s late controversial move on George Russell sparked fury after the Spanish Grand Prix and resulted in him being handed a 10-second time penalty.

The Red Bull driver was fighting a losing battle on hard tyres following a late safety car restart and lost places to both Charles Leclerc and George Russell at turn one.

However, Verstappen took to the escape road to remain ahead and was told to give the position back to his Mercedes rival.

He wasn’t too happy with it, and went deep into the corner, running into the side of Russell and staying ahead of him for another lap.

A Verstappen radio message may have caused chaos, and it may not have been necessary for him to let Russell back through in the first place.

Even Lando Norris aimed a hilarious comment at Verstappen after seeing his move after the Spanish Grand Prix. He said he had done it before on Mario Kart.

Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing chases George Russell at the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix
Photo by Malcolm Griffiths – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images

Max Verstappen says it’s not ‘necessary’ to talk to George Russell after Spanish Grand Prix clash

F1 fans think Verstappen deserved a penalty and the stewards agreed, but he’s now on 11 penalty points and is just one away from a race ban.

He would become just the second driver ever to be penalised under the rule, with Kevin Magnussen having become the first last year.

Verstappen was ‘magical’ at the Spanish Grand Prix, but not enough to beat the McLaren drivers on a three-stop.

He’s battling a car deficit, which would be almost impossible for any of the greatest of all time to overcome. He needs help with upgrades.

“Will I talk to George about this? No, I don’t think that’s necessary, I have nothing to say to him,” he said, according to De Telegraaf.

“In life, you shouldn’t regret something too often. You only live once. So no, I don’t regret today either.”

Why Max Verstappen’s 2025 F1 title charge with Red Bull may be over

The latest FIA technical directive in Spain may have actually helped to consolidate McLaren’s advantage over the rest of the pack.

Red Bull had made some progress recently, but their pace cooled off again in Spain and it appears that they’re going to need even more if they want to win in 2025.

A fifth consecutive drivers’ championship now seems unlikely for Verstappen, especially given that he is fighting against two drivers and has no backup from his teammate.

Verstappen had the ‘perfect’ chance at the Spanish Grand Prix and wasn’t able to take advantage of it. Now, he’s nearly 50 points from the top of the standings.