'Signs went red': Verstappen highlights Barcelona clash as single mistake

The Dutchman began his improbable comeback into the championship battle after the summer break. After having a challenging weekend at the Hungaroring, Verstappen has stood on the podium at every race since the Dutch Grand Prix.

Talking to Viaplay, he revisited his season so far. He said: "I am happy. The only point of criticism is the situation in Barcelona."

Verstappen refers to what happened at the Spanish GP. After a Safety Car restart, George Russell attempted to overtake the Red Bull driver into Turn 1.

The Dutchman left the track, and was advised by Gianpiero Lambiase over the team radio to hand the position back. Verstappen then made contact with the Mercedes driver, and received a 10-second time penalty from the stewards, which relegated him to P10.

He continued by explaining that the incident stems from caring too much. "I could also have said ‘my car isn’t fast, I’ll let it go’.

Already during the straight, Verstappen has made contact with Charles Leclerc.

He added: "I was mad about what happened on the straight during the restart, then corner one and then I get the radio message that I have to give back the position. At that moment, all the signs went red.

Looking at the season as a whole, the four-time world champion is happy with his performance. He also explained that he is especially satisfied with his qualifying. Verstappen has claimed seven pole positions so far in 2025.

He concluded: "Especially in qualifying I am pleased with myself. And that was maybe, at the beginning of my career, one of my weaker sides."

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