Tensions Flare as Russell Questions Verstappen’s Tactics After Late-Race Collision
George Russell has voiced strong criticism of Max Verstappen following a controversial incident during the final stages of today’s Formula 1 race. The two drivers collided after Verstappen slowed down in Turn 5 to allow the Mercedes driver to pass, in compliance with team orders issued by Red Bull due to an earlier on-track dispute.
The conflict stemmed from a chaotic sequence after the safety car period, just 11 laps from the end. While most teams opted for soft tyres to maximize grip in the sprint to the finish, Verstappen was fitted with hard tyres, reportedly because he lacked a fresh set of softs. The decision left him vulnerable on the restart.
Under pressure from Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Russell, Verstappen was overtaken by Leclerc down the straight—though not without contact—and was then challenged by Russell into Turn 1. Verstappen cut across the corner, rejoining the track between the two rivals and demanding that Leclerc return the position. However, Red Bull instructed him to yield to Russell, wary of a penalty for gaining an advantage off-track.
What followed was a bizarre and contentious sequence. Verstappen slowed approaching Turn 5 to let Russell catch up, then ran wide in the corner and made contact with the Mercedes again—briefly retaking the position. Later that lap, Verstappen slowed once more to finally concede the place.
Russell didn’t hold back in his post-race reaction:
“I just got hit. I don’t really understand the thinking behind it,” . “At the end of the day, he lost out far more than I did. He was P4 and finished P10, I moved up to P4.”
Speaking further, Russell added: “That’s just how Max races. There was no need for a conversation after the race. He ended up losing points for himself and his team.”
In a separate interview, Russell expressed disbelief over Verstappen’s actions:
“I was as surprised as anyone. You see those kinds of moves in sim racing or karting—not in Formula 1,” he said. “It felt intentional in the moment, and that’s what made it so shocking.”
When asked whether the Red Bull driver deserved a black flag, Russell remained diplomatic:
“That’s not my call. We’ve got our own challenges. It’s up to the stewards to judge whether it was deliberate.”
He concluded by acknowledging Verstappen’s talent while questioning the necessity of such behavior:
“Max is an incredible driver, a role model for many. It’s just disappointing when things like this keep happening. It never seems to help him.”
