Max Verstappen Blasts Back After Barcelona Brawl: "Next Time, George, I'll Bring Tissues"
Verstappen responds to Rambo encounter: "In future encounters, I'll be prepared with handkerchiefs"
The Formula 1 world is abuzz with the latest drama cornering the pits! During the Spanish Grand Prix, champion Max Verstappen collided with rivals George Russell, leaving only mockery in his wake.
By Jens Marx and Lukas Schulze
Barcelona - The Formula 1 universe can't seem to shake off the shock waves! In a heated finale at the Spanish Grand Prix, none other than four-time champion Max Verstappen (27) rammed arch-nemesis George Russell (27), stirring quite the storm.
In the aftermath of his heated outburst, Max Verstappen had no intentions of keeping his cool. The chase-leading Dutchman remained on the offensive, even facing an impending ban.
"Next time, George, I'll bring tissues," the 27-year-old fired back, aiming his barbed comment directly at his ramming victim. George Russell, who suffered Verstappen's reckless driving, had previously hit out:
"Formula 1 Leadership Uproot: The True Reasons Unveiled""The stakes are high. We're playing with our lives here. But safety standards can't be taken for granted."
Verstappen's actions were met with widespread censure following the Grand Prix. "Verstappen Ignites Outrage,"the "Salzburger Nachrichten" from the Austrian Red Bull base resounded.
Verstappen's aggressive move in a race that saw him claim his first victory for Red Bull back in 2016, was, above all, redundant.
His team had called for him to let Russell pass again, believing Verstappen had gained an advantage after a duel with his last set of tires. However, the race had already taken a frustrating turn for Verstappen, leading to his hasty, reckless maneuver.
The Catalyst
- Safety Car Restart: After a late restart of the safety car, Verstappen was surpassed by Charles Leclerc and then dogged by George Russell into Turn 1. Russell attempted a desperado pass on the inside, but contact ensued, forcing Verstappen off the track and maintaining his position.[1][2]
- Dispute Over Position: Red Bull advised Verstappen to relinquish the position to Russell to avoid a penalty, as they believed Russell was ahead. Yet, Verstappen was adamant he was ahead, and refused to back down.[1][2]
- A Collision Born of Frustration: In a fit of rage, Verstappen deliberately collided with Russell at Turn 5, an act that many saw as a direct response to the incident after the safety car restart and the perceived injustice in the position dispute.[1][2]
Reactions
- Max Verstappen: Verstappen later owned up to his actions on social media, admitting that the collision was "not right and shouldn't have happened," blaming his frustration on the tyre choice and events post-safety car restart.[1][2]
- George Russell: Russell voiced concerns about Verstappen's behavior, suggesting such actions could lead to severe consequences, questioning the impartiality of stewards in deciding similar incidents.[3]
- Race Stewards: The collision resulted in a 10-second penalty for Verstappen and three penalty points, two more than what triggers a race ban. If Verstappen acquires another penalty point in the next two race weekends, he may face a ban.[1]
- Other Drivers/Teams: The incident raised discussions within the F1 community about driver conduct and the need for consistent penalty enforcement. However, specific reactions from other drivers were not widely reported in the available sources.
Lead photo: Federico Basile/Ipa Sport / Ipa/LiveMedia-IPA/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
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- McLaren Unleash in Spain: Piastri Increases Championship Lead
- Off-Grid Victory in Monaco: Formula 1's New Heartthrob Opens Up on Love Return
- Norris Brings Nitro to Formula 1: Excitement is Back
[1] BBC Sport. (2023, May 9). Max Verstappen faces probe over Lewis Hamilton collision [Online]. Available at: https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/65168978
[2] Motorsport Week. (2023, May 9). 2023 Spanish Grand Prix argy-bargy: Verstappen clash with Russell headlines thrillingly chaotic end to F1 race [Online]. Available at: https://www.motorportweek.com/news/90622/2023-spanish-grand-prix-summit-verstappen-clash-russell-headlines-thrilling-chaotic-end-f1-race/
[3] Autosport. (2023, May 9). Russell uncomfortable with Verstappen's collisions [Online]. Available at: https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/george-russell-comfortable-with-max-verstappens-collisions/11140604/
[4] Grand Prix 247. (2023, May 9). Max Verstappen receives record penalty points tally after dramatic Spanish Grand Prix [Online]. Available at: https://www.grandprix247.com/f1/2023/05/09/news/max-verstappen-receives-record-penalty-points-tally-after-dramatic-spanish-grand-prix
- Amidst the tumultuous Formula 1 universe, the racing world continues to buzz with the repercussions of Max Verstappen's collision with George Russell.
- Despite the safety concerns and widespread criticism, Max Verstappen's passion for sports hasn't waned, with him pledging to bring tissues for the next race, hinting at the possibility of another heated encounter on the track.
