While younger, Max Verstappen disliked his nickname `Mad Max.` This familiar trait reappeared at the conclusion of Sunday`s Spanish Grand Prix.
Max Verstappen`s impressive driving earlier in the race near Barcelona was overshadowed by a seemingly angry moment late on. After being told by Red Bull to let Mercedes` George Russell pass, Verstappen slowed coming out of Turn 4. He allowed Russell to go by on the outside but then immediately accelerated and made contact with the side of Russell`s car.
In the Formula 1 cooldown room, where the top three drivers view race highlights, their reactions to the incident were clear.
Third-placed Charles Leclerc exclaimed, `Oh my god.` Race winner Oscar Piastri reacted simply with, `Yikes.` Second-placed Lando Norris joked he`d done similar, but `on Mario Kart.`
Many in the paddock felt it looked intentional, a moment of frustration leading to a sudden, illogical action. When Sky Sports F1 asked Verstappen if it was deliberate, his response was perceived as dismissive and perhaps unexpected for a four-time world champion: `Does it matter?`
Many believe it does. George Russell, whose car was hit, seemed certain of Verstappen`s intent.
Russell stated Sunday evening, `It felt very deliberate, to be honest… Max is clearly one of the best drivers in the world, but maneuvers like that are just totally unnecessary and sort of lets him down. It`s a shame for all the young kids looking up, aspiring to be Formula 1 drivers.`
Unlike those who might downplay the event, former world champion Nico Rosberg was highly critical on Sky Sports F1, arguing Verstappen`s move warranted disqualification.
Rosberg, the 2016 champion, commented, `It looked like a very intentional retaliation… That`s something which is extremely unacceptable, and I think the rules would be a black flag, yes. If you wait for your opponent to bang into him, that`s a black flag.`
Instead, Verstappen received a 10-second time penalty, dropping him to 10th place. He also received three penalty points on his super licence, bringing him one point away from a race ban. This means he needs incident-free races in Canada and Austria before points from previous incidents expire.
The legacies of two former world champions include intentional collisions: Ayrton Senna in 1990 vs. Alain Prost, and Michael Schumacher in 1994 vs. Damon Hill and 1997 vs. Jacques Villeneuve.
However, Senna`s and Schumacher`s controversial moments occurred when a championship was at stake. Verstappen`s incident happened while battling for fourth place.
As often before, Verstappen`s aggressive race craft will be a key topic before the Canadian Grand Prix. His post-race comments, including saying `I`ll bring some tissues next time` regarding Russell`s concerns for young fans, suggested a dismissive attitude. (Note: On Monday, Verstappen reportedly admitted the clash `was not right` and `shouldn`t have happened`).
Recent F1 viewers have witnessed numerous examples of his driving excellence. His Brazil win last year was exceptional. His Suzuka pole lap this season was highly praised. His pass on Piastri at Imola was considered one of the greats. These acknowledge his remarkable skill.
However, criticism regarding the less positive aspects of his race craft is equally valid.
Much of the positive reputation built by Verstappen in recent seasons was undermined by Sunday`s incident. Fittingly, George Russell, a past critic, effectively summarized the frustration of watching the undoubtedly brilliant but sometimes problematic champion.
Russell commented, `Max is such an amazing driver and so many people look up to him, it`s just a shame things like that continue to occur… It`s totally unnecessary and it never seems to benefit himself.`
Russell cited examples of this duality: flashpoints with Norris last year contrasting with his stunning pass on Piastri at Imola.
He added, `You see in Austin last year some of the best moves ever, and then you go to Mexico and he lets himself down a bit. You go to Imola, you see one of the best moves you`ll see in a long time, and then this happens. It cost him and his team a lot of points.`
Boiling point
Verstappen`s frustration had been building before the Russell clash. The FIA`s explanation of his 10-second penalty offered little comfort.
Red Bull, anticipating a stewards` order based on past incidents, preemptively told Verstappen to yield the position. However, the FIA later stated they hadn`t intended to issue such an order. Red Bull was reportedly confused and frustrated that Verstappen`s underlying irritation led to an avoidable incident.
The FIA`s admission added to Red Bull`s problems, particularly concerning their strategy. Putting Verstappen on hard tires late in the race made him vulnerable to Leclerc and Russell (on softs) at the restart, leading to the sequence culminating in the collision. Verstappen had expressed frustration over the radio about the tire choice, which was limited by the team`s earlier three-stop commitment.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner defended the decision, stating fresh hards were preferred over staying out with older softs, despite facing rivals on new softs. He argued that defending the lead on worn softs would have been difficult, but admitted the chosen strategy was challenging, especially with only six laps after the restart. Horner insisted `The McLarens would have passed him` had Verstappen stayed out, acknowledging it`s `very easy to say, stay out` with hindsight. However, given Verstappen`s reputation for aggressive defense, many might have backed him to hold the lead.
Ultimately, the feeling persists that the controversy largely stemmed from Red Bull`s strategic decisions.
Verstappen`s frustration was evident even before the incident. He has been vocal about the car`s shortcomings this season, joking in Monaco his clutch felt like it was from 1972, and referencing it again in Barcelona (`maybe 1974`). He also defended teammate Yuki Tsunoda, suggesting the second Red Bull car is difficult, contributing to Tsunoda`s struggles.
This highlights a potential source of Verstappen`s deeper frustrations.
Despite a contract until 2028, speculation remains about Verstappen potentially leaving Red Bull earlier. Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll is reportedly interested. A rumored contract clause allows him to leave if he`s below fourth in the championship by the August break. Leaving Barcelona with only one point and facing a potential ban makes this scenario seem less improbable.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff offered an interesting perspective. The incident involved his driver Russell and a driver Wolff has reportedly considered for Mercedes, highlighting a potential conflict of interest.
Notably, despite his usual strong stance when his drivers are involved in incidents, Wolff appeared hesitant to fully condemn Verstappen.
Wolff stated Sunday, `If it was road rage, which I can`t imagine, that is not good… I don`t know what he aimed for. Did he want to let George past, and immediately repass?… For me, it`s just incomprehensible [if it was intentional]… I don`t want to judge on it and say this was road rage. Let`s see what his arguments are. It wasn`t nice.`
Rupert Caldwell 
Tristan Blackwood