Verstappen Admits 'Red Mist' Moment in Spain was His Season's Only Flaw

Max Verstappen has publicly acknowledged that his 'red mist' moment during the Spanish Grand Prix, which led to a collision with Mercedes driver George Russell, was the only significant misstep in an otherwise strong 2025 Formula 1 season. In an exclusive interview, Verstappen described the incident as his sole point of criticism regarding his own performance, stemming from a series of on-track frustrations.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's rare admission of fault provides a candid glimpse into the mindset of a champion known for his unwavering confidence. For a driver who often deflects criticism, this self-reflection highlights a commitment to continuous improvement, even at the pinnacle of the sport. Understanding these moments is key to appreciating how top drivers learn and adapt, further solidifying their place among the greats.

The details:

• The Incident: During a safety-car restart in the Spanish Grand Prix, Verstappen was frustrated after being forced onto hard tires, making a critical error that allowed Charles Leclerc to pass. Further wheel-banging with Leclerc and an attack from Russell at Turn 1 led to Verstappen taking to the run-off.
• Penalty and Collision: After being instructed to return the position to Russell, Verstappen lifted but then aggressively attacked on the inside of Turn 5, colliding with Russell's car. This resulted in a 10-second penalty, dropping him from fifth to ninth in the final classification.
• Verstappen's Rationale: He explained to Viaplay that his frustration stemmed from his inability to accept not having given everything. "I cannot put in 80% effort. I have to get out of the car with the feeling I've tried everything," he stated, acknowledging that "all the signs went red" in that moment.
• Learning Experience: Verstappen views this as a crucial learning moment, stating that such situations "probably won't happen again" and that he will learn from it, particularly regarding controlling his emotions when things go against him.
• Overall Season Assessment: Despite this isolated incident, Verstappen remains largely pleased with his performance, especially in qualifying, an area he admits was a weaker side earlier in his career.

Between the lines:

Verstappen's self-awareness, though not always public, is a significant part of his strength. While he typically shrugs off or avoids critical questions, his internal reflection on what went right and wrong is constant. This incident in Spain, where he clearly boiled over due to the race unraveling, exposed a rare chink in the armor of an otherwise dominant driver. It's a testament to his drive for perfection that he's comfortable discussing such a misjudgment publicly, indicating he's actively working to control this emotional aspect of his racing.

What's next:

This admission suggests a more mature approach from Verstappen moving forward. While such 'red mist' moments are rare, his acknowledgment of this weakness indicates a dedication to personal growth that will only make him a more formidable competitor. As he continues to master his craft, understanding and managing these emotional triggers will be key to solidifying his status as one of F1's all-time greats and ensuring consistent top-tier performance, even on challenging weekends with a troublesome Red Bull RB21.