Russell: “Good that Verstappen took accountability” after Spanish GP clash

Mercedes driver George Russell has welcomed Max Verstappen’s admission of fault following their collision at the Spanish Grand Prix, saying he was “a bit surprised” but glad the Dutchman took responsibility.

Verstappen received a 10-second time penalty and three licence points after making contact with Russell during the race at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. The reigning world champion dropped from fifth to 10th in the final standings and now sits just one penalty point away from a race ban.

“His actions cost him and benefited me, so I should almost thank him,” said Russell ahead of this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal.

“But it’s good to see that he took accountability.”

Verstappen acknowledged his mistake on social media the day after the race, writing that the move at Turn Five “was not right and shouldn’t have happened.” Russell, while accepting the apology, suggested Verstappen misjudged the move rather than deliberately intending to crash.

“I think he was trying to run me off the road, but not intentionally crash. He just misjudged it,” Russell added.

With nine penalty points on his super licence, Verstappen faces a one-race suspension if he collects one more in Canada or Austria later this month. Two of his points will only expire after the Austrian Grand Prix, keeping him in a vulnerable position until the Mexico GP in October.

Russell made clear that if Verstappen does reach 12 points and receives a ban, it would be “deserved” under the rules:

“If he gets his 12 points, it wouldn’t be unjust. That’s why the system exists.”

The Briton believes Verstappen’s penalty was fair but noted that if it had taken him out of the race, a harsher response may have been necessary. He also hinted that Verstappen’s fragile licence status could play into his rivals’ hands this weekend:

“We have to be smart and use it to our advantage. I’m going to continue racing the same way — last week I did that and it paid off.”

Russell shared a light-hearted anecdote about unexpectedly meeting Verstappen at Nice airport, as both were en route to watch the French Open final. He said the tension from Barcelona was momentarily forgotten during a brief exchange at airport security:

“He was there with his newborn, folding the pram, and we just had a quick chat. I’d honestly forgotten about the race by then.”

The Canadian Grand Prix takes place this Sunday at 19:00 BST, with coverage available via BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sport online.