Arriving in Las Vegas for the penultimate round of the 2025 Formula 1 season, Max Verstappen is a man on the ropes. The four-time champion sits 49 points adrift of leader Lando Norris, facing mathematical elimination on the very Strip where he hopes to keep his title chances alive.
In a season defined by the struggle to keep up with the dominant McLaren team, the Red Bull driver has been forced to « maximise the potential » of an inconsistent RB21. Looking back on his campaign, Verstappen has now singled out one specific moment not as a technical failure, but as a personal one: the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix.
In recent interviews, he has labelled the race his « only point of criticism » for the year, referencing a costly moment of frustration that, in hindsight, may have cost him a shot at the championship.
🇪🇸 The Incident: When « All the Signs Went Red »
Unlike the critiques of 2024, which focused on minor vulnerabilities in a dominant car, this 2025 criticism is about a major, self-inflicted error.
The incident in question was a late-race collision with Mercedes driver George Russell at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
- The Context: Verstappen was in a frustrating race, battling a car that was difficult on its tyres. A late Safety Car restart bunched the pack.
- The Frustration: The Red Bull strategy forced him onto the Hard tyre compound, which was difficult to fire up, leaving him vulnerable. He was then told over the radio to give a position back, a message that tipped him over the edge.
- The « Criticism »: In his own words, Verstappen admitted that « at that moment, all the signs went red. » Driven by frustration, he made an aggressive move and collided with Russell, earning a 10-second time penalty from the stewards.
📈 The Cost of a « Mistake »
The penalty was devastating. Verstappen, who was running P5 on the road, was demoted to P10 in the final classification. This cost him nine crucial world championship points.
In a season where he has been clawing for every single point against the faster McLarens, this single « mistake » was a massive unforced error. Those nine points now represent the difference between a difficult challenge and the near-impossible one he faces in Las Vegas.
« I am happy with my season, » Verstappen told Viaplay. « The only point of criticism is the situation in Barcelona. What happened there, of course, wasn’t great, but it also came from the fact that I really care. I cannot put in 80% effort. I get mad at myself. »
🎰 A Regret That Looms Large in Las Vegas
Verstappen’s admission is rare. He has acknowledged the incident as a « mistake » that he learns from. He links the outburst to his perfectionist nature, stating he cannot accept not giving 100%—but in this instance, his frustration cost him.
As the championship fight comes down to its final, desperate moments, those points lost in Spain loom larger than ever. It wasn’t a flaw in the Red Bull fortress; it was a personal error that provided his rivals with an advantage he could not afford to give.
Sources
- Viaplay (2025). Verstappen 2025 Season Review.
- The Race (2025). The part of the season Verstappen admits he messed up.
- Motorsport Week (2025). The one moment in F1 2025 that Max Verstappen regrets.
- GPblog (2025). Verstappen highlights ‘signs went red’ clash as single mistake in 2025.
- GPFans (2025). Max Verstappen makes unusual U-turn in George Russell feud.
- Eurosport (2025). Grand Prix d’Espagne: Max Verstappen a retrouvé ses vieux démons.