Just a day after the Spanish Grand Prix, Max Verstappen took to social media to apologise for his actions.

A collision with George Russell, swerving into him when it looked like he was letting the Mercedes driver past, meant he was given a ten-second time penalty, dropping him from P5 to P10.

“Our choice of tyres and some actions after the safety car restart caused frustrations for me, which led to a manoeuvre that was not right and should not have happened. I always give my all for the team, and then emotions can run high. You win together and you lose together. See you in Montreal," said the Dutchman.

After Ralf Schumacher said Max Verstappen is deliberately sabotaging his own performances to trigger the alleged release clause in his contract, Christian Horner branded that as "utter nonsense".

"Why do you incur a penalty that is so unnecessary? It could also be that once you've made the decision for yourself, you no longer want to ensure that it remains that way," said the German to Sky Sports Germany cameras.

"I haven't heard anything so stupid in a long time. Max is a racer through and through. He always wants to win and would never act like that," responded the team boss.

The Spanish Grand Prix was one to quickly forget for Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari.

The seven-time world champion could only finish P6 at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, promoted from seventh because of Verstappen time penalty.

"I have no idea why it was so bad," the Brit said after finishing behind teammate Charles Leclerc and the Sauber of Nico Hulkenberg.