The Formula 1 world is upside down after a recent revelation that has brought the rivalry between Max Verstappen and George Russell to a new high point.

A shocking statement from Red Bull Racing, consisting of only ten words, has heated the minds considerably and speculations about a conscious revenge action by Verstappen on Russell.

The tensions between the two drivers, who had been simmering for some time, now seem to have come to an explosive boiling point, with the Grand Prix of Spain as a backdrop for a controversial incident that loosens the tongues.

It all started in the final phase of the Grand Prix of Spain, where Verstappen and Russell became engaged in a heated battle. During a restart after a safety car situation, caused by a problem with Kimi Antonelli’s Power Unit, Verstappen had a hard time. He had just made a pit stop and rode hard tires, a choice about which he clearly expressed his frustration about. These tires offered less grip than those of his competitors, including Russell, who was in a strong position at that time. In turn one, Russell tried to catch up with Verstappen, but the Dutchman was heading for the output zone to maintain his position. Red Bull then instructed Verstappen to give his place back to Russell, a decision that was subsequently labeled by the FIA as unnecessary. This moment turned out to be the spark for what followed.

Verstappen, visibly frustrated, let Russell come alongside in turn five, but instead of getting the position neatly handed over, he deliberately sent his Red Bull into the flank of the Mercedes driver. The contact resulted in a time penalty of ten seconds for Verstappen, as well as three penalty points on his super license, which means he is now on eleven points – only one point away from a suspension. The action was labeled by many as unsportsman, and Russell expressed his surprise about Verstappen’s behavior, noticing that he “had never seen anything like this in Formula 1”. The Brit even went so far to suggest that Verstappen had consciously touched him, a statement that the Dutchman initially laconic with the comment: “Then I will bring tissues next time.”

The situation further escalated when Red Bull released a statement of ten words, which fueled the speculations about Verstappens intentions: “Max acted out of frustration, but his action was indefinable.” These words, although short, spoke volumes and led to a wave of reactions in the paddock and beyond. Analysts and fans speculate that this statement is an indirect confirmation of a conscious revenge action by Verstappen, possibly inspired by earlier incidents with Russell. In Qatar, for example, Verstappen Russell accused him of having put him on a punishment by responding exaggerated to a situation in which Verstappen would have slowly drove during a qualifying round. Verstappen then called Russell “shocking” and accused him of lying to enforce a punishment, something that the Dutchman clearly was not over.

A day after the race in Spain, Verstappen took a different tone. He apologized on Instagram, admitted that the collision “should not have happened”. He wrote that the tire choice and the maneuvers had fed his frustration after the SafetyCar restart, which led to an action he regretted. This public apology seemed like an attempt to calm the minds, but the damage had already been done. In the media and on social platforms, Verstappen was both criticized and defended. Former world champion Damon Hill called his attitude “Arrogant”, while Red Bull adviser Helmut Marko trivialized the action as a moment of overheating in the heat of battle.

The rivalry between Verstappen and Russell seems to have had a new dimension. Russell, who increasingly profiles himself as a leader within Mercedes, showed in Canada that he is not afraid of challenging Verstappen. During that race he unexpectedly braked during a safety car phase, causing Verstappen to pass him-an action that was seen by some as a provocation. Ralf Schumacher noted that Russell wanted to make a statement: “Beware, Max, I am also someone who does everything to win.” This dynamic promises even more fireworks in the coming races, especially because Verstappen balances on the edge of a suspension.

While Formula 1 is preparing for the next races, the question remains: Was Verstappens action in Spain an impulsive eruption or a calculated revenge? Red Bull’s statement suggests the latter, but Verstappens apologizes for regrets. What is certain is that the battle between these two drivers gives the sport an extra low voltage. Fans worldwide are eagerly looking forward to the next chapter in this intense rivalry, which continues to dominate Formula 1 both on and off the track.