Formula One Russell: If deliberate, Max should have been disqualified

GEORGE Russell suggested Max Verstappen should have been disqualified for causing a deliberate and unnecessary crash in Sunday's Spanish Grand Prix - with the latter then offering his upset British rival a tissue.

- Philip DUNCAN

A processional race at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya - which was won by Oscar Piastri as he extended his championship advantage over second-placed Lando Norris from three points to 10 - came alive on lap 64 of 66 when a furious Verstappen and Russell came to blows.

Following a safety-car restart, Verstappen fell off the road as he attempted to defend fourth position from Russell.

He rejoined ahead of the Mercedes driver but was advised by his Red Bull team to concede the position.

Verstappen slowed down at Turn 5 to allow Russell past, but then accelerated and drove into his rival’s Mercedes.

“What the ****”?” Russell said on the radio. Verstappen later moved out of Russell’s way, and crossed the line in fifth. However, he was hit with a 10-second penalty by the stewards - demoting him to 10th - and also punished with three penalty points on his licence which leaves him just one point away from a race ban.