During the Spanish GP, Verstappen was ordered by Red Bull to give back his position to George Russell after running wide. While he initially complied, frustration got the better of him as he aggressively shut the door again, resulting in contact between the two drivers.

This led to a 10-second time penalty that dropped him from fifth to tenth in race order and added penalty points to his super licence. Verstappen recognized this as a moment where he lost control and called it "not OK."

He stressed how much he cares and that it was a mistake he learned from, vowing that moments like these would likely not happen again.​

Championship Implications

Despite sitting 24 points behind the championship leader, Verstappen has maintained that the Spanish incident will not define his title challenge.

He stated that if he misses out on the championship, it will be due to overall team and performance factors rather than that single moment. Verstappen praised how Red Bull has maximized opportunities in other races and continues to push forward in the championship fight.

With only two races left, including the crucial Qatar GP and Abu Dhabi finale, he insists the season is far from over and he is focused on executing perfectly in every session.​

Learning and Moving Forward

Verstappen’s admission is rare honesty in a sport often marked by fierce rivalries and limited self-criticism. It highlights his mental approach to competition — relentless effort paired with accountability.

Acknowledging mistakes while maintaining confidence in his broader campaign gives insight into his mindset as he pursues a fifth consecutive world championship. The Red Bull driver's determination to improve through setbacks showcases why he remains one of the most formidable figures in Formula 1.