FIA annuls Max Verstappen’s Spanish Grand Prix results after radio scandal over Russell’s penalty collision
The Formula 1 world was thrown into disarray on June 3, 2025, when the FIA announced the cancellation of Max Verstappen’s results from the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix, amid a heated radio debate following his 10-second penalty for a collision with George Russell. The decision, hours after the race ended at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, was prompted by controversial comments from the Red Bull boss, which sparked widespread outrage and raised questions about the sport’s disciplinary standards.
The drama unfolded during the race’s running stages on June 1, as Verstappen, in the third race, clashed with Russell after a safety reign was framed by Kimi Antonelli’s jubilation. After exiting the Vuelta in Turn 1 and finding himself with anticipation, Red Bull ordered Verstappen to give Russell a position. Without embargo, in Turn 5, he accelerated the Mercedes driver, causing contact that resulted in a 10-second penalty, which lasted five days. The FIA’s initial decision also added three penalty points, awarding the super license a total of 11, just over a ban from the race. But it was Verstappen’s post-penalty radio rant that sold his fate. Visibly furious, he unleashed a rant, reportedly including abuse like “What are you diablos?” and “This is Bulls***,” as he criticizes the mayor’s decision as unfair, a moment captured live and widely circulated online.
The FIA, which violates the 2025 sporting code, which prohibits “words, writings, or statements causing moral harm,” considers Verstappen’s status unacceptable, particularly his announcements made for similar conduct, such as his sanction by juror community service. Singapore last year. The cancellation caused him to lose his last place, nullifying any points and losing the revised results, with McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris keeping the 1-2, followed by Charles Leclerc in third. George Russell, who weighed in on his own 20-second penalty, retained the gender.
Verstappen’s comments, including a sarcastic “do some signs next time” to Russell, fueled controversy, with industrial relations fans divided, some defending their frustration, others denouncing their lack of professionalism. Red Bull’s Christian Horner called the FIA’s move “excessive,” arguing that the penalty had started the incident on track. With Verstappen now 49 points behind Piastri in the championship, this drop could pose a threat to his title defense. With the Canadian Grand Prix to be held on June 8, the FIA’s strict stance could force a recalibration of its investigation, or apply additional sanctions. Is this a fair attack on behavior, or an extra limit that absorbs the voice of one camp? The F1 community has engaged with the consequences.
