Max Verstappen issues statement over 'not right' George Russell incident

Max Verstappen has conceded that his controversial incident with George Russell in the Spanish Grand Prix was "not right and shouldn't have happened."

The world champion has moved to within one penalty point of a race ban following the late incident in Barcelona, where he appeared to ram into Russell's Mercedes on purpose, having been instructed to let the Briton by by engineer Gianpiero Lambiase. 

Already frustrated by Red Bull's decision to place him on the Hard tyres for the final sprint to the flag and contact with Charles Leclerc and Russell at Turn 1, it looked as if Verstappen was complying with the instruction despite his protests on Lap 64 at Turn 5. 

But it appeared he accelerated into Russell, with Nico Rosberg even claiming the Red Bull driver should have been disqualified. 

Verstappen was handed a 10-second time penalty by the stewards for the incident, dropping him from fifth to 10th, and he also picked up three more points on his super-licence, bringing him to 11 for the 12-month period, with 12 triggering a ban. 

His next set does not come off until the day after the Austrian GP in June. 

Initially debriefing with media, Verstappen was unapologetic, telling Russell that "next time, I'll bring tissues" when asked if he was presenting a good example to young racers.

However, Verstappen has now taken to social media to explain his actions, but did not issue a direct apology.

Read the full statement below.