Max Verstappen explains reason for post-Spanish GP statement

Max Verstappen has explained why he opted to post a statement on social media a day after the Spanish Grand Prix, addressing his controversial clash with George Russell. 

In the statement on Instagram, the Red Bull driver took accountability for the incident which saw him receive three penalty points and a 10-second time penalty. 

The punishment has left him just one penalty point away from a race ban, with his penalty points tally not set to decrease until after the Austrian Grand Prix. 

When asked by select media, including RacingNews365, what prompted his statement, Verstappen answered: "Sharing my view of things, how I thought that race panned out not ideal for me. But then that was my statement, and then I went back to enjoy my day."

The incident between Verstappen and Russell was identified by the stewards immediately as being the clear fault of the Dutchman, with him insisting that recognising mistakes is not difficult.

"It's not hard," insisted Verstappen. "I mean, you always reflect every race, even the good ones. So it isn't hard at all."

Verstappen's moment with Russell was a result of several incidents three laps prior, with the 27-year-old having experienced a horrific safety car restart. 

Verstappen insists 'everyone makes mistakes'

When the race restarted in the closing stages, Verstappen in third at the time had a huge slide, before colliding with Charles Leclerc along the start/finish straight. 

He was then dive-bombed by Russell at the first corner, causing Verstappen to take avoiding action and cut the chicane. 

Red Bull instructed its driver to return the position after rejoining ahead of Russell, something else which infuriated the reigning world champion. In the end, it all became a series of unfortunate events.

"It's just like I said, it was just a very frustrating few laps in a row, you know?" said Verstappen. "I got driven into on the straight after I almost crashed already with the hard tyres. 

"Then I got driven into at Turn 1, then they tell me that I have to give the place back. I'm like, that makes no sense, you know? So it was, like a lot of things that just came together."

He later continued: "There was a misjudgment, clearly in the corner, but I don't need to go into full detail of why, how and what. Everyone makes mistakes in life. Everyone learns from them, and we just move on."

To add to Verstappen's annoyance in Spain, the stewards confirmed post-race that he did not need to return the position to Russell. Unsurprisingly, the call has been discussed, with Verstappen noting it will be handled "better in the future".

It has been a testing season for the lead Red Bull driver who is battling for a fifth consecutive drivers' title in a challenging package, with his hard racing having hurt him in Spain.

This is unusual for Verstappen, who often comes out on top and within the rulebook when racing aggressively.

"Normally not," said Verstappen. "But at the moment, also, I don't really have a lot to lose. Like I said, it was not the right thing to do at the time, we learned from that, but yeah, we just move on."