Max Verstappen blames frustration for “incorrect moves” after colliding with Russell on frustration

Max Verstappen said Monday that frustration caused “a move that was incorrect and shouldn't have happened” the day after he initially collided with George Russell at the Formula One Spanish Grand Prix.

When two drivers hit Russell's Mercedes, his Red Bulls asked Verstappen to have asked Russell to give up Russell's position.

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Race housekeeper ruled that Verstappen “suddenly accelerated” before the collision, and Russell said “feeling very intentional.” The housekeeper gave Verstappen a 10-second free throw, which dropped him from fifth to 10th and was in the top 49 points for leading leader Oscar Piastri who won Sunday's game.

“We had an exciting strategy and good race in Barcelona until the safety car came out. Our tire selection was over and some of the moves after the safety car restarted inspired me to feel frustrated, resulting in an incorrect action that shouldn't have happened.”

“I always provide everything for the team and the mood can be very high. You win together, you lose some together. See you in Montreal (next game).”

Initially, after Sunday’s race, Verstappen had said, “I’ll bring tissue next time,” responding to Russell’s response claimed he set a bad example for young drivers.

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A series of setbacks

The collision was a series of setbacks for Verstappen, who had been in third place until the safety car came out and put pressure on two McLaren drivers.

Red Bull decided to bring Verstappen into the pit for new tires, although the only tire he left was slower hardening, which is the type other drivers use.

At the start over, Verstappen lost his grip and was replaced by Charles Leclerc, who had contacted Verstappen's Red Bull. Neither driver was ruled at fault.

Verstappen then left the track while defending Russell, and Red Bull asked Verstappen to give up the position to Russell, apparently because the team expected Verstappen to be fined. The housekeeper later ruled that they would not take action against the Dutch driver for the incident.

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Take the risk of suspension

Verstappen needs to be cautious in the next two games, as the penalty for collision with Russell also allowed him to increase his penalty points on the permit by 11 over the past 12 months. If the driver scores 12 out of 12 points a year.

Two of these points expire at the end of the month, but until then, Verstappen will need to receive any further fines in the Canadian and Austrian Grand Prixes.

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