Verstappen one point from a race ban after clash with Russell

BARCELONA - Formula One world champion Max Verstappen is one penalty point away from a race ban after being punished for driving into Mercedes rival George Russell during Sundays Spanish Grand Prix.

In addition to a 10-second time penalty, dropping the Red Bull driver from fifth to 10th, stewards handed Verstappen three penalty points on his super-licence.

That took his tally to 11 for a 12-month period, with 12 points triggering a one-race ban. Two of those points expire at the end of June but there are two races before that.

The Red Bull driver had clashed twice with Russell at the restart following a late safety car period at the Circuit de Catalunya.

The pair made contact first at Turn One when Verstappen, who was defending fourth place on hard tyres against a rival on quicker softs, was pushed wide but stayed ahead. He was then told by Red Bull to hand back the place.

Stewards noted Verstappen was clearly unhappy with his team’s request.

At the approach to Turn 5, Car 1 (Verstappen) significantly reduced its speed thereby appearing to allow Car 63 (Russell) to overtake, they added.

However, after Car 63 got ahead of Car 1 at the entry of Turn 5, Car 1 suddenly accelerated and collided with Car 63.

INTENTIONAL RETALIATION?

The incident, as well as an earlier clash with Ferraris Charles Leclerc, triggered accusations of road rage and a return to the Mad Max days of old, before Verstappens four world titles.

It looked like a very intentional retaliation. Wait for the opponent, go ramming into him, just like you felt the other guy rammed into you at Turn One, said Mercedes 2016 world champion Nico Rosberg on Sky Sports television.

Thats something which is extremely unacceptable and I think the rules would be