Max Verstappen Admits Mistake After Collision with Mercedes Driver George Russell at Spanish GP, 'That was not right and shouldn't have happened'

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen has addressed the collision with Mercedes' George Russell at the Spanish Grand Prix. Reflecting on what had transpired, the reigning Formula One World Champion admitted his mistake by stating that he committed the act after frustration got the better of him.

Verstappen faced sharp criticism from Formula 1 fans and pundits following the collision. To tame the intensity, the Dutchman took to social media to 4express his say.

"We had an exciting strategy and good race in Barcelona, till the safety car came out," Verstappen wrote on Instagram. 

"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. See you in Montreal." 

The post showcased a rare apology from Verstappen, who in the past has given the impression of total disregard towards the opinion of others. His demeanour has typically been nonchalant about collisions, or the occasions when he lost his composure, attributing it to competitiveness each time.

In a race case, Verstappen took responsibility for his actions and condemned his behaviour.

Given it was a tough race for him, Verstappen's frustration was somewhat justified but his actions did not.  During the safety car, all of the teams and cars made a pit stop to get a fresh pair of tyres because the track in Barcelona was chewing the cars' tyres. 

Verstappen, however, had already done three pit stops and did not have a soft tyre left. Instead, he had a fresh, hard tyre remaining, and the team opted to have him come in and get on the fresh tyre.

Once the safety car ended, Verstappen was essentially a sitting duck, immediately losing the rear of the RB-21 and just managing to keep it on the track.

 Charles Leclerc, in the Ferrari, was behind Verstappen on the soft tire, quickly getting past the Red Bull. There was some contact during the overtake, though it was Verstappen who went into the Ferrari.