Verstappen offers mea culpa: Move against Russell ‘was not right’

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A day after his contentious run-in with Mercedes’ George Russell at the Spanish Grand Prix, Max Verstappen took to social media to issue a rare mea culpa, admitting his reckless move "was not right and shouldn’t have happened.”

The Red Bull driver’s reflection came after a heated incident that saw him drop from fifth to 10th in the final classification due to a 10-second penalty for causing the crash.

The drama unfolded late in the Barcelona race when Verstappen, defending his position, ran wide at Turn 1, claiming Russell forced him off-track.

Ordered by Red Bull to cede the position, Verstappen appeared to briefly comply with the directive at Turn 5 but immediately lunged back, banging wheels with Russell in a move deemed deliberate by stewards.

The incident earned Verstappen three penalty points, bringing his 12-month total to 11—one shy of a race ban. Sky F1’s Nico Rosberg called for a black flag, branding the move “horrible,” while Red Bull’s Christian Horner dismissed the criticism as “quite sensational.”

Verstappen’s Owns Up

On Monday, Verstappen took to Instagram to address the controversy.

“We had an exciting strategy and good race in Barcelona, till the safety car came out,” he wrote.

“Our tyre choice to the end and some moves after the safety car restart fuelled my frustration, leading to a move that was not right and shouldn’t have happened.

“I always give everything out there for the team and emotions can run high. You win some together, you lose some together. See you in Montreal.”

Wolff: Verstappen move on Russell in Spanish GP ‘incomprehensible’

The apology highlights Verstappen’s acknowledgment of his misstep, citing frustration from a late safety car and tire strategy as factors.

With the Canadian Grand Prix looming, Verstappen’s contrition signals a desire to move forward, though his near-ban status ensures scrutiny will follow.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.