Verstappen-Russell crash 'a bit much': 'But journalists need headlines'

20:59, 03 Jun

Updated: 22:26, 03 Jun

byNorberto Mujica

Max Verstappen's Spanish Grand Prix went from bad to worse, after it became clear his Red Bull car lacked speed to challenge McLaren a late safety car and a set of hard tyres made him a sitting duck which prompted incidents with George Russell and Charles Leclerc. Former Red Bull driver, Christian Klien analyses both.

Verstappen seemed willing to give up his position to Russell, when suddenly he sped up again and went straight on into the side of the Briton's Mercedes.

Verstappen-Russell crash 'just a collision'

Speaking to ServusTV, Klien thinks the crash was a little over the top for Formula racing, but understands' the Dutchman's reasoning behind the wheel.

"As a driver, you see what it was. It was just a collision, he apologized. In Formula races, it's too harsh; in GT races, it's almost normal. In Formula races, there are many eyes on you and journalists needing a headline. You understand if you're in the cockpit like him. For Max, letting Russell pass was the wrong decision."

Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc fighting for position at the Spanish Grand Prix

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Earlier in the race Verstappen and Leclerc also came into contact, which had them both summoned to the Stewards, who did not see fit to penalise either driver. For Klien an incident of that nature, could have ended very badly.

"When I saw that Max was on the hard tyres, I felt it would be very, very difficult. Exiting the last corner, it's important to maintain full speed.’’

The rear of Verstappen's Red Bull snapped out on the Dutchman. As Leclerc got a run up on him, he and Verstappen as the justled for position made contact.

‘’The stewards decided nothing needed to be done; it could have gone differently. It was at high speed. If they had collided in a nasty way, one of them could easily have gone airborne."