FIA Cancels Max Verstappen’s Spanish Grand Prix Results After Outrageous Radio Outburst Over Russell Collision Penalty
The Formula 1 world was rocked on Monday, June 3, 2025, as the FIA announced the cancellation of Max Verstappen’s results from the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix, following a fiery radio outburst laced with swearing after his 10-second penalty for colliding with George Russell. The decision, made hours after the race concluded at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, stems from the Red Bull driver’s controversial statements, which have sparked widespread outrage and raised questions about the sport’s disciplinary standards.
The drama unfolded during the race’s closing stages on June 1, when Verstappen, running third, clashed with Russell after a safety car restart triggered by Kimi Antonelli’s retirement. After going off-track at Turn 1 and rejoining ahead, Verstappen was ordered by Red Bull to yield position to Russell. However, at Turn 5, he accelerated into the Mercedes driver, causing contact that led to a 10-second penalty, dropping him from fifth to 10th. The FIA’s initial ruling also added three penalty points, bringing his super license total to 11—one shy of a race ban. But it was Verstappen’s post-penalty radio rant that sealed his fate. Visibly furious, he unleashed a tirade, reportedly including expletives like “What the f***?” and “This is bulls***,” while slamming the stewards’ decision as unfair, a moment captured live and widely circulated online.
The FIA, citing violations of the 2025 sporting code banning “words, deeds, or writings that cause moral injury” to the organization, deemed Verstappen’s outburst unacceptable, especially given his prior warnings for similar conduct, such as his community service penalty for swearing in Singapore last year. The cancellation strips him of his 10th-place finish, nullifying any points and leaving the revised results with McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris maintaining their 1-2, followed by Charles Leclerc in third. George Russell, despite his own 20-second penalty, retains sixth.
Verstappen’s comments, including a sarcastic “I’ll bring some tissues next time” to Russell, have fueled the controversy, with fans on social media divided—some defending his frustration, others decrying his lack of professionalism. Red Bull’s Christian Horner called the FIA’s move “excessive,” arguing the penalty already addressed the on-track incident. As Verstappen now sits 49 points behind Piastri in the championship, this ruling could jeopardize his title defense. With the Canadian Grand Prix looming on June 8, the FIA’s strict stance may force a recalibration of his approach—or risk further sanctions. Is this a fair crackdown on behavior, or an overreach stifling a champion’s voice? The F1 community is left grappling with the fallout.
