Max Verstappen says that “frustration” led to his collision with George Russell during the Spanish Grand Prix and that the move “was not right and shouldn’t have happened”.
Russell said that the Formula 1 world champion “let himself down” by appearing to drive deliberately into the British driver’s Mercedes in Barcelona.
The Red Bull driver, who has won the past four championships, received a 10-second penalty for the incident, which dropped the Dutchman from fifth to 10th in the final result.
In response to Russell’s comments, Verstappen said on Sunday that he would “bring some tissues next time” and that the collision was “a misjudgement”.
But on Monday the 27-year-old posted on social media:, external “We had an exciting strategy and good race in Barcelona, till the safety car came out.
“Our tyre choice to the end and some moves after the safety car restart fuelled my frustration, leading to a move that was not right and shouldn’t have happened.
“I always give everything out there for the team and emotions can run high. You win some together, you lose some together.”
Verstappen’s penalty left him 49 points behind championship leader Oscar Piastri of McLaren, who won Sunday’s race from team-mate Lando Norris.
Verstappen was also given three penalty points on his licence. That takes the four-time world champion to 11, one short of a race ban.
