The F1 pits are boiling! Harsh accusations against Max Verstappen

George Russell gave up after the Barcelona GP. The end was dramatic.

The Formula 1 race in Barcelona went mostly peacefully, and for a long time it seemed that the race would leave a sour taste.

However, the final laps after the safety car were full of drama. Max Verstappen’s Red Bull collided with Mercedes’ George Russell.

Verstappen had just received a request from his team to let the Briton pass, as the Red Bull driver was considered to have received a potentially illegal advantage in the previous situation.

Verstappen received a ten-second penalty for his crash and dropped from fifth to tenth place in the final standings.

Criticism

Racemate Russell knocked Verstappen down on the neck after the race.

“His actions cost him and his team a huge number of points,” the British driver said.

Russell went so far as to accuse Verstappen of crashing into him on purpose.

– It felt like that. I’ve seen him do that in video games, but not in a real race, Russell said, according to the Motorsport website.

Russell said it was a “pity” that Verstappen would fall for such tricks.

– Max is one of the best drivers, but those moves are completely pointless. I don’t understand what he was thinking.

Additional sanction?

Russell hinted that he didn’t think a ten-second penalty was enough.

Could Verstappen get an even bigger penalty?

– If the jury thinks it was intentional, then they have a big question to consider, Russell continued.

Russell estimates that Verstappen could have still fought for a podium finish if he hadn’t lost his temper.

Russell speculated that Verstappen was probably running hot due to the challenging tyre choice and then collapsed under the pressure. According to the team radio, Verstappen was not happy when his driver was put on hard tyres at the final stop.

– It was just absurd. It makes no sense to crash on purpose, risk your car and the race, and then get a penalty for it, Russell wondered.

Max’s view

Verstappen was, in his usual style, more reserved.

– Everyone can think about that for themselves. I didn’t agree.

The Dutchman was not interested in delving into what had happened in more detail.

– We bumped into each other. It’s true. I don’t know why.

– Does it matter? I’d rather talk about the whole race than about a single situation. I don’t have to say anything about it, Verstappen decided.

Barcelona GP

Top 10

1. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)

2. Lando Norris (McLaren)

3. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)

4. George Russell (Mercedes)

5. Nico Hülkenberg (Sauber)

6. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)

7. Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls)

8. Pierre Gasly (Alpine)

9. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)

10. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)