Max Verstappen Under Fire After Controversial Move on George Russell During Spain GP originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The 2025 Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix was pleasantly entertaining after the Monaco race, which ended with many fans and drivers criticizing the lack of emotion the iconic race provided.

But penalties are at the stewards' discretion and in this case they decided to give Verstappen a 10-second penalty, a relatively severe sanction, and three points on his licence.

Max Verstappen dealt his Formula 1 title defense a self-inflicted blow at the Spanish Grand Prix when he collided with George Russell’s Mercedes, in a move which Russell later said appeared to be “deliberate.