The 2025 Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona delivered high drama, but the spotlight fell on a controversial collision between Max Verstappen and George Russell, drawing sharp criticism from former Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya. The Colombian, known for his own fiery racing style, accused Verstappen of “losing his cool” during a heated battle, particularly in a lap 61 incident that saw the Red Bull driver make contact with Russell’s Mercedes. The clash, which resulted in a 10-second penalty and three penalty points for Verstappen, has reignited debates about the four-time world champion’s on-track conduct and his ability to handle pressure in a fiercely competitive season.
The incident occurred during a chaotic safety car restart, triggered by Kimi Antonelli’s stranded Mercedes. Red Bull’s decision to fit Verstappen with hard tires, while rivals like Russell and Charles Leclerc opted for softs, left the Dutchman at a disadvantage. Struggling with grip, Verstappen suffered a massive oversteer moment exiting the final corner, allowing Leclerc to overtake him. Russell then attempted a bold move inside Turn 1, leading to light contact that forced Verstappen into the runoff area. Red Bull instructed Verstappen to yield the position to Russell, a directive he reluctantly followed. However, three laps later, Verstappen collided with Russell at Turn 5, a move Russell called “deliberate” and “unnecessary.” Montoya, speaking on his MontoyAS podcast, was blunt: “Max lost his head. It’s insane to drive like that when you’re fighting for a championship.”
Montoya’s critique reflects a broader sentiment among some in the paddock. The former McLaren and Williams driver, who raced in F1 from 2001 to 2006, argued that Verstappen’s aggression crossed a line, risking both his own race and Red Bull’s strategy. “The FIA’s rules are black and white,” Montoya noted, questioning whether Red Bull should have been firmer in managing their driver. The stewards’ decision to issue a 10-second penalty, dropping Verstappen from fifth to tenth, was seen by some, including 2016 champion Nico Rosberg, as too lenient, with calls for a black flag disqualification. Verstappen, now 49 points behind championship leader Oscar Piastri, admitted post-race that the contact “wasn’t right” and apologized to his team, though he avoided elaborating further.
Russell, finishing fourth, expressed bewilderment at Verstappen’s tactics, likening the move to sim racing antics rather than F1 standards. “I’ve seen those maneuvers in go-karting, but never in Formula 1,” he told Sky Sports F1, emphasizing the danger of such actions at speeds exceeding 140 mph. The incident wasn’t Verstappen’s only clash that day; earlier, he made contact with Leclerc, prompting an angry radio outburst claiming the Ferrari driver deserved a penalty. These moments underscored Verstappen’s frustration, compounded by Red Bull’s questionable tire strategy, which he openly challenged during the race.
The fallout has intensified scrutiny on Verstappen, who is one penalty point away from a race ban. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner urged his driver to “keep his nose clean” in upcoming races, noting that penalty points from a prior incident with Lando Norris in Austria will expire by June’s end, offering some relief. However, the Spanish Grand Prix exposed cracks in Verstappen’s championship campaign, with McLaren’s Piastri and Norris dominating for a 1-2 finish. Montoya, while critical, acknowledged Verstappen’s talent but suggested his mental edge—often a strength—faltered under pressure. “He’s comfortable crashing, and his team backs him, but this was too much,” he said, referencing Verstappen’s history of aggressive racing.
The Verstappen-Russell feud, which flared in Qatar last year over a qualifying incident, adds a personal dimension to the controversy. Fans on X have been vocal, with some praising Montoya’s candid take while others defend Verstappen’s fighting spirit. As the season progresses, the incident raises questions about the FIA’s consistency in penalizing aggressive driving and whether Verstappen’s reputation influences steward decisions. For now, the Spanish Grand Prix serves as a reminder of the fine line between boldness and recklessness in F1’s high-stakes arena, with Montoya’s words echoing as a cautionary note for Verstappen’s title chase.
