Max Verstappen reflects on controversial F1 mistake: 'All signs went red'

Max Verstappen has opened up on a low moment he endured during the 2025 F1 season, pointing to a “mistake” at the Spanish Grand Prix.

Verstappen was involved in a controversial incident in Barcelona, which saw him handed a 10-second time penalty.

The Dutchman made contact with George Russell in the closing stages of the race after being instructed by his team to hand the position over to the Mercedes driver after a previous incident at Turn 1.

It appeared Verstappen was opening the door for Russell into Turn 5 before running wide and into the side of his rival.

Reflecting on the incident while assessing his season, Verstappen told Viaplay: "The only point of criticism is obviously Barcelona.

"That move itself - and the entire incident - was not good, but that's also because I care a lot. I could have thought, 'this car isn't working anyway, so I let it go'.

"I can't accept - towards myself - stepping out of the car and knowing that I didn't give everything. Then I get angry with myself, so I can't drive at 80 per cent.

"When I get out of the car, I always need to be able to tell to myself, 'I did everything I could'."

Verstappen was put under pressure after a mistake at the start of the straight amid a safety car restart.

The four-time champion has pledged he will not make a similar mistake again, asserting he has learned from the controversey.

"That's why I was so angry in Barcelona - first with what happened on the straight at the restart, then into Turn 1, and then of course when I was told to give the position back,” he said. 

“That's when all signs went red. That was a mistake from my side, and of course I learn from it.

"Those moments won't happen again next year, even if we're in a similar situation with the car. 

“These are the small things you learn from, but overall, in terms of performance, the season was absolutely good.”