Max Verstappen’s quest for a fifth straight Formula world title hit a major setback at the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix, where he finished 10th after a dramatic late-race collision and a costly penalty. McLaren’s Oscar Piastri dominated from pole to flag, leading a 1-2 finish with teammate Lando Norris and extending his championship lead.
Verstappen’s race unraveled in the closing laps after contact with both Charles Leclerc and George Russell. The Red Bull driver, frustrated by a strategic call to fit hard tires during a crucial Safety Car period, struggled to defend his position on the restart. A collision with Russell earned Verstappen a 10-second penalty, dropping him from fifth to 10th and moving him to penalty points—just one shy of a race ban.
Verstappen admitted fault for the incident, stating, “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.” The penalty capped a weekend to forget for the reigning champion, who failed to make the front row in Barcelona for the first time since 2020.
Meanwhile, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc secured the final podium spot, and Nico Hulkenberg delivered a standout drive for fifth after Verstappen’s penalty. The Spanish GP result shakes up the championship picture and leaves Verstappen’s title hopes under serious pressure as F1 heads to its next round.
