The latest episode of The Total Motorsport F1 Show sees host Joe Krishnan joined by Formula 1 journalists Ewan Gale and Brandon Sutton to review a controversial 2025 Spanish Grand Prix, discussing ‘that’ incident between Max Verstappen and George Russell.
Oscar Piastri dominated from lights to flag in Barcelona as McLaren brushed aside all talk that they would be hampered by the newly imposted FIA flexi-wing regulations. Lando Norris was right behind his teammate in P2 with Charles Leclerc getting another podium finish.
But all the post-race talk was of Verstappen and his collision with Russell which came after an uncharacteristic Red Bull strategy blunder.
Verstappen’s aggressive move on Russell sparks debate
The 2025 Spanish Grand Prix delivered no shortage of drama, but the spotlight has firmly landed on Max Verstappen following a series of controversial on-track moments with George Russell in the final laps. Although Verstappen received a 10-second penalty for causing a collision, some prominent voices in Formula 1, including 2016 World Champion Nico Rosberg, argue that the punishment didn’t go far enough.
The late-race incident came after a complex strategic battle saw Verstappen attempt a three-stop strategy to challenge the dominant McLarens. While initially successful, a Safety Car deployment due to Kimi Antonelli’s retirement turned the race upside down, forcing Red Bull to fit hard tyres on Verstappen’s car — the only compound remaining.
As the race resumed with five laps to go, Verstappen struggled for grip. Charles Leclerc overtook him immediately, and Russell then dove up the inside at Turn 1. Verstappen rejoined via the escape road but was instructed by his engineer to return the position.
More from the Singapore GP
Catch up with Total Motorsport's latest Singapore GP coverage, including Max Verstappen's victory at Marina Bay, Ferrari's costly strategy gamble, the full race classification, and the updated 2026 Formula 1 Drivers' and Constructors' Championship standings.
The real controversy came shortly after. As Russell attempted to repass around the outside at Turn 4, Verstappen appeared to slow slightly, let Russell come alongside, and then sharply turned into the Mercedes. Contact followed. Russell was stunned on team radio, saying, “I was as surprised as you guys were… I’ve seen those sort of manoeuvres before on simulator games and go-karting but never in F1.”
Sky Sports pundit Anthony Davidson called it “intentional,” and Rosberg went further, declaring: “That’s something which is extremely unacceptable… the rules would be a black flag.”
Russell declined to weigh in on whether Verstappen should have been disqualified but did say, “Max is such an amazing driver… it’s just a shame something like that continues to occur. It seems totally unnecessary and never seems to benefit himself.”
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