Martin Brundle Shocks with Four-Point Penalty Call on Max Verstappen

Martin Brundle has surprised many in the Formula 1 world by stating that Max Verstappen deserved a harsher penalty after his clash with George Russell at the Spanish Grand Prix. The former F1 driver and respected Sky F1 analyst believes Verstappen should have received the maximum four penalty points available, instead of the three assigned by the race stewards.

Verstappen was also handed a 10-second time penalty, which dropped him to 10th place in the race and increased his gap in the drivers’ title race to Oscar Piastri to 49 points.

Brundle analyzed the incident during the race broadcast, explaining that both Russell and Verstappen had been given instructions to swap positions after the controversial moment at Turn 5. Despite Verstappen appearing to follow those directions, the penalty assessed was a 10-second drop and three penalty points on Verstappen’s super license. For more details, see the Verstappen-Russell clash.

This penalty put him just one point away from a possible race ban, which is an automatic punishment at 12 points collected within a 12-month period.

Brundle argued that a black flag would have been too extreme due to uncertainties such as potential mechanical issues on Verstappen’s car, but he remained firm that race officials had been too lenient in this case. He suggested the stewards should have awarded the full four penalty points as provided by the sport’s guidelines.

He believed a drive-through penalty—a harsher punishment translating to about 30 seconds—would have been more fitting than just a 10-second time addition.

Despite the setback at Barcelona, Verstappen rebounded quickly, setting the fastest time in the opening practice session for the Canadian Grand Prix, the next race on the 2025 schedule. This strong start underlined his determination to close the gap to McLaren’s Oscar Piastri.

Verstappen’s ability to perform despite the looming threat of a race ban has kept attention firmly on the battle for the championship standings. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner expressed confidence in Verstappen’s resilience, adding to the ongoing discussion around the incident (Horner on Verstappen claim).

With the latest results, Oscar Piastri leads the drivers’ standings with 186 points for McLaren. He’s followed by Lando Norris at 176, while Verstappen now sits third with 137 points.

George Russell and Charles Leclerc round out the top five, driving for Mercedes and Ferrari.

In the teams’ battle, McLaren also leads with 362 points, ahead of Ferrari and Mercedes.

Brundle’s comments have sparked discussion among drivers and fans about race penalties and consistency in their application, especially given Verstappen’s record and reputation for aggressive driving. As the 2025 F1 season continues, both drivers and teams remain under intense scrutiny with each penalty point carrying possible consequences for the title fight. For a broader look at the championship dynamics and key drivers, see the Marko on Verstappen and Leclerc.

The Canadian Grand Prix is set for June 15 at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, where Verstappen’s performance and sports authorities’ decisions will be closely watched. Fans and paddock insiders alike are waiting to see how stewarding decisions might influence the ongoing championship race.

John Martinez

John Martinez delivers real-time NASCAR Cup Series and Truck Series news, from live race updates to pit-lane strategy analysis. A graduate of the University of Northwestern Ohio’s Motorsports Technology program, he breaks down rule changes, driver tactics, and championship points with crystal-clear reporting.