Hamilton and F1 Drivers Slam Verstappen’s ‘Unacceptable’ Driving Style as Calls for Harsher Penalties Mount After Spanish GP Chaos

The Formula 1 paddock is reeling from the fallout of the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix, held on June 1 at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, where Max Verstappen’s aggressive driving style has drawn fierce criticism from fellow drivers, including Lewis Hamilton, and sparked widespread calls for a heavier fine. At 3:43 PM +07 on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, the controversy surrounding Verstappen’s late-race collision with George Russell continues to dominate headlines, with the Red Bull driver’s actions labeled “unacceptable” by peers and fans alike, amplifying pressure on the FIA to impose stricter sanctions.

The incident occurred during a tense restart following a safety car on Lap 55, triggered by Kimi Antonelli’s retirement. Verstappen, running on hard tires due to Red Bull’s strategy, clashed with Charles Leclerc on the main straight before a more controversial collision with Russell at Turn 5. After being instructed to yield position for an earlier off-track advantage at Turn 1, Verstappen accelerated as Russell overtook, causing contact that the FIA deemed deliberate. The stewards issued a 10-second penalty, dropping Verstappen from fifth to 10th, and added three penalty points to his super license, bringing his 12-month total to 11—one shy of an automatic race ban. However, many in the F1 community argue the punishment doesn’t match the severity of the incident.

Lewis Hamilton, now with Ferrari, was among the first to voice his frustration, stating in a post-race interview, “Max’s driving style today was unacceptable. We’ve seen this pattern before, and it’s dangerous. The FIA needs to take stronger action to set a precedent.” Hamilton, who struggled to P6 after being overtaken by Nico Hulkenberg late in the race, has a history of on-track battles with Verstappen, notably their 2021 title fight, and his comments reflect a broader concern among drivers about Verstappen’s aggression. George Russell, the incident’s direct victim, told Sky Sports, “It felt deliberate. I’ve seen those maneuvers in sim racing, but never in F1. It’s a shame for the kids aspiring to be drivers.” Russell’s sentiments were echoed by Charles Leclerc, who also made contact with Verstappen, saying, “We need consistency in how these incidents are handled.”

The criticism wasn’t limited to drivers. Former world champion Nico Rosberg, commentating for Sky Sports, called for a black flag, arguing, “The 10-second penalty was lenient. This was deliberate and dangerous.” Fans on social media platforms have been vocal, with many labeling Verstappen’s actions as “petulant” and demanding a race ban to curb what they see as a pattern of reckless behavior. Some pointed to past incidents, like his 2024 Austrian GP clash with Lando Norris, as evidence of a recurring issue. Others, however, defend Verstappen, arguing his aggressive style is what makes him a four-time champion, though even Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko admitted the penalty was “deserved.”

Verstappen, now 49 points behind championship leader Oscar Piastri after the McLaren driver’s win in Spain, issued a veiled apology, saying, “It shouldn’t have happened,” but refused to speak with Russell, telling De Telegraaf, “I have nothing to say to him.” This response has only fueled the fire, with drivers like Hamilton and Leclerc calling for the FIA to review its penalty system. The FIA boss defended the decision, stating, “The penalty reflects our commitment to safety,” but the lack of real-time guidance during the race—particularly when Red Bull sought clarity—has drawn scrutiny. Some suggest the FIA’s initial inaction on the Turn 1 incident, which ironically meant Verstappen didn’t need to yield, may have escalated tensions.

As Verstappen teeters on the edge of a race ban, the calls for a heavier fine or additional sanctions underscore a growing divide in F1. With the next races in Canada and Austria looming, the pressure is on for Verstappen to keep his nose clean—and for the FIA to address the mounting discontent over his driving style. The sport’s fans and drivers await a resolution, but one thing is clear: Verstappen’s “red mist” has cast a long shadow over his 2025 title hopes.