F1 LIVE | Social media reaction to Verstappen vs Russell clash as backstory emerges behind Stroll retirement from Spanish GP

Fans and public opinion are divided over the controversial incident that occurred in the closing stages of the Spanish Grand Prix, with many believing that Max Verstappen deliberately crashed into George Russell following the team order to hand back the position after their initial contact at Turn 1 just after the race restart.

Many have also been divided over the harsh penalty handed to the four-time world champion, with the ten-second penalty weighing heavily on his final classification. The Dutchman slipped from fourth to tenth place, losing valuable points in the championship race.

Another significant piece of news from the Catalan weekend was undoubtedly Lance Stroll’s retirement from the Grand Prix. Shortly after qualifying ended, Aston Martin officially announced the withdrawal of the Canadian driver due to severe pain in the same wrist he injured during the 2023 pre-season in Bahrain.

However, according to reports from the BBC yesterday, the Canadian was involved in another unusual incident, showing considerable anger towards the team just after getting out of the car following yet another elimination in Q2.