Just when Formula One fans thought the rivalry between Max Verstappen and George Russell had cooled down, the Spanish Grand Prix reignited the fire.
With just three laps to go, things took a dramatic turn—literally—when Verstappen collided with Russell, sparking fresh controversy and earning himself a time penalty.
What Happened on the Track?
It all unfolded in the final moments of the race. Verstappen, who had previously gained an advantage under questionable circumstances, was told over the team radio to let Russell through.
It seemed like he was going to play by the rules—he moved slightly off the racing line at Turn Four, giving Russell what looked like a clear shot to pass.
But then came the twist. Verstappen braked later than expected and locked up his front-right tyre, sliding straight into the side of Russell’s Mercedes.
The contact was hard to miss—and so was the fallout.
Stewards Step In With a Penalty
Race stewards didn’t waste time. They opened an immediate investigation, reviewed the footage, and came back with a clear verdict: Verstappen was at fault.
The result? A 10-second time penalty added to his final race time.
Still, the reigning world champion managed to cling on to a 10th-place finish.
Meanwhile, it was Oscar Piastri who crossed the line first, bringing home a win for McLaren.
Old Grudges Resurface
This latest run-in wasn’t just about one race—it reopened a wound that’s been festering since last season.
Back in February, George Russell made it clear he had no intention of burying the hatchet after their Qatar Grand Prix clash.
At the time, Verstappen had publicly declared he’d “lost all respect” for Russell, and Russell didn’t seem too bothered.
When asked if he’d change his driving tactics around Verstappen, Russell had responded coolly: “No concerns about him or his driving.
I’m not going to change my approach fighting him or other drivers.”
What’s Next for Verstappen and Russell?
With tensions clearly still high, fans are left wondering what the next chapter holds for these two fiercely competitive drivers.
Will they be able to keep things clean on the track going forward—or is another clash just around the corner?
One thing’s for sure: this rivalry isn’t going away anytime soon.