Max Verstappen has admitted he made the “mistake” of crashing into George Russell after everything “went red” in extreme frustration at the Spanish Grand Prix.
Verstappen was penalized for intentionally trying to drive his Red Bull into a Mercedes during a race in Barcelona in June, causing a collision with Russell.
The 10-second penalty Verstappen received dropped him from fifth to 10th and cost him nine world championship points, which would have helped him return to contention for a fifth straight drivers’ title after the summer break.
After Sunday’s Sao Paulo Grand Prix, Verstappen, whose title challenge is all but over as he fell 49 points behind championship leader Lando Norris, reflected on his campaign at Interlagos over the weekend and brought up what happened in Barcelona.
“The only point of criticism is obviously Barcelona,” Verstappen told Dutch broadcaster Viaplay.
“The move itself and the whole incident was not good, but that’s also because I care a lot. I could have thought, ‘This car won’t move anyway, so I’ll let it go.’
“It’s unacceptable to yourself to get out of the car and know you’re not giving your all. Then you’re mad at yourself and you can’t drive at 80%.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Ant Davidson was on Skypad to analyze the collision between Max Verstappen and George Russell on the final lap of the Spanish Grand Prix
“When you get out of the car, you always have to say to yourself, ‘I did everything I could.'”
Verstappen was running third in Spain, but a safety car delay and a lack of available tire sets left him vulnerable to following cars.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Watch 360-degree footage of Max Verstappen and George Russell coming together in a controversial moment during the final lap of the Spanish Grand Prix.
A snap at the rolling restart allowed Charles Leclerc to pass Verstappen, before Russell tried to chase the Ferrari into the first corner, where they made contact and Verstappen ran out of the way to rejoin in front of the Mercedes.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Max Verstappen collides with Charles Leclerc and George Russell after dramatic restart at Spanish Grand Prix following Kimi Antonelli’s yellow flag
Verstappen was advised by Red Bull over the radio to give up position to Russell to avoid a penalty for going off track and gain an advantage, but the Dutchman did not agree.
When it appeared that he was about to pass Russell late in the lap, Verstappen rammed into Russell, eventually allowing the Mercedes to pass without further contact.
Verstappen continued: “That’s why I was so angry in Barcelona, first because of what happened on the restart straight, then what happened in Turn 1, and then of course when I was asked to give back the position. That’s when all the signs turned red.”
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Mercedes’ George Russell and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen share their thoughts after the Barcelona crash
“It was a mistake on my part and of course I am learning from it.
“Moments like that won’t happen again next year, even if the car was in a similar situation. These are things you learn from little things, but overall the season was very good in terms of performance.”
Despite his title hopes now gone, Verstappen’s impressive run has seen him move into third place in the standings, and there is still a real chance he could chase McLaren’s Oscar Piastri for second place, who currently trails by 25 points.
F1’s thrilling title race continues until the Las Vegas Grand Prix from November 21-23, broadcast live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports now – cancel anytime with no contract
