Horner: Verstappen Apologized Privately for Russell Collision

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner revealed that Max Verstappen apologized privately for his collision with George Russell during the Spanish Grand Prix debrief. The controversial incident occurred in the closing laps at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, where Verstappen appeared to deliberately ram into Russell’s Mercedes. After Charles Leclerc overtook Verstappen, the Red Bull driver blocked Russell at Turn 1 but was instructed to yield. Verstappen seemed to comply but then suddenly forced Russell off, sparking widespread criticism. 

He received a 10-second time penalty and three penalty points, dropping from a potential podium finish to 10th place and costing crucial championship points. Verstappen did not publicly apologize post-race but admitted on social media that the move “should not have happened.” The incident remains one of the season’s most contentious moments, highlighting the intense rivalry between the two drivers.