Criticism after ramming
Disruptly: “Bring him handkerchiefs”
01.06.2025 – 8:08 p.m.Reading time: 2 min.
During the race in Spain there is a collision between Max Verstappen and George Russell. The world champion reacts defiantly to the criticism of the British.
World champion Max Verstappen After his ramb’s impact against Mercedes driver George Russell in Barcelona, does not see any reason for a pronunciation. “Next time I’ll bring him a few handkerchiefs,” said the Dutch with a view to the criticism of Russell. He does not consider a pronunciation to be necessary: ”There is nothing to say.” He also did not show remorse. “You shouldn’t regret anything in life,” said Verstappen: “You only live once.”
In the race, Verstappen had initially been three in position. In phases, he was even able to calculate opportunities for victory. After a late Safety car phase, Verstappen only had the slower hard tires available. The red bull star could no longer keep up and fell back. First he was overtaken by Charles Leclerc in Ferrari, then by Russell. Then Verstappen drove to the side into the Mercedes – with consequences.
The racing commissioners spoke of an “undoubtedly” collision caused by Verstappen and imposed a ten-second penalty. In the end it was only enough to tenth. In the World Cup ranking, he is already 49 points behind McLaren driver Oscar Piatri, who won the race in Barcelona.
Russell was surprised after the incident: “I have already seen such maneuvers in racing simulations or in go-kart races, but not in Formula 1.” He didn’t understand what Verstappen did. “It felt on purpose,” continued Russell. Verstappen is a great driver to whom many looked up. “It’s a shame that something like this happens to him.”
Verstappen commented on the scene. It was more of a misjudgment, he said. There was also criticism from him in the direction of Leclerc: The Ferrari driver had slightly touched Verstappen after the Safety car phase on the straight line in its overtaking maneuver. Meanwhile, the defending champion does not think of the fight for the World Cup. “I never said that I am in the title fight. If McLaren does everything right, they are unbeatable,” said Verstappen.