The FIA stewards have detailed why Red Bull’s Max Verstappen received a 10-second time penalty and three penalty points during the Spanish GP.
The incidents, which unfolded across laps 61 and 64, left fans on the edge of their seats.
The chaos began after a safety car restart on lap 61, where Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc overtook Verstappen into the first corner. Mercedes’ George Russell attempted to follow, but contact ensued, forcing Verstappen onto the inner escape road. The Red Bull controversially rejoined the circuit in fourth, ahead of Russell, prompting concern from the Mercedes camp.
By lap 64, Red Bull, via radio, instructed a frustrated Verstappen to cede the position back to Russell. Initially, the Dutchman slowed on the approach to Turn 5, seemingly allowing Russell to pass. However, as the Mercedes driver drew alongside on the outside, Verstappen suddenly accelerated, colliding with the Briton.
The stewards handed Verstappen a 10-second time penalty, which dropped him from fifth to 10th at the finish line. Three penalty points were also added to his super licence, bringing him within one point of a race ban. Alarmingly for Red Bull, these points will remain until the Austrian Grand Prix.
In their report, the FIA stewards clarified that Verstappen “undoubtedly caused” the collision with Russell. However, they also noted that Red Bull did not need to instruct Verstappen to give up the position after the lap 61 incident, as no lasting advantage was gained. The stewards had reviewed positioning data, video, timing, telemetry, and in-car footage to reach their verdict.
The FIA decision document detailed: “The driver of Car 1 was asked by his team to ‘give the position back’ to Car 63 for what they perceived to be an earlier breach by Car 1 for leaving the track and gaining a lasting advantage. We had later determined that we would take no further action in relation to that incident.”
It added: “The driver of Car 1 was clearly unhappy with his team’s request. At the approach to Turn 5, Car 1 significantly reduced its speed, thereby appearing to allow Car 63 to overtake. However, after Car 63 got ahead of Car 1 at the entry of Turn 5, Car 1 suddenly accelerated and collided with Car 63. The collision was undoubtedly caused by the actions of Car 1.”
Red Bull now face a tense period as Verstappen teeters on the brink of a ban, while the Mercedes team have expressed frustration over the incident. The drama at the Spanish Grand Prix has set the stage for a fiery continuation of the Formula 1 season!
