F1 Pundit Pinpoints Max Verstappen’s ‘Body Language’ Signs Before Spanish GP Clash

F1 presenter Naomi Schiff insisted that Max Verstappen was already angry after Qualifying at the Spanish GP.

F1 Pundit Pinpoints Max Verstappen’s ‘Body Language’ Signs Before Spanish GP Clash

Max Verstappen (via Red Bull)

The Spanish GP turned into a nightmare for reigning world champion Max Verstappen. The 27-year-old ruined his race after a collision with George Russell that sparked controversy. While a handful of small things frustrated Verstappen before the incident, F1 presenter Naomi Schiff outlined a different theory behind the Dutchman’s fallout.

During the race, a late Safety Car ruined Max Verstappen‘s strategy. The Red Bull star was forced to race on hard tires for the restart, putting him at a massive disadvantage. Ultimately, this led to his incident with George Russell when he seemingly tried to give back the position.

There have been claims that Verstappen intentionally slammed his car into the Mercedes. Though, the Dutchman has denied such speculation, with Red Bull giving him a stern warning for the next couple of races.

Despite the dismal race, Naomi Schiff insisted that Verstappen was in a bad mood way before the race start. The F1 presenter pointed out that the Dutchman’s body language was completely off after Qualifying on Saturday. Verstappen had failed to even come close to McLaren’s laptimes in Qualifying, with the 27-year-old admitting that he lacked the pace to fight for victory. This might’ve been the origins of Verstappen’s frustrations during the weekend.

I actually think it already started (on Saturday). The body language of what he’s saying now. You could feel his energy in the post-qualifying interview. He felt resigned about where they (Red Bull) stood and that McLaren were above the rest.

Naomi Schiff told Sky F1

Red Bull reveals reason behind Max Verstappen’s pitwall instruction

Max Verstappen went off-track while defending his position from George Russell at the restart. The Dutchman was struggling for grip due to his tires, and had no chance of making the corner. Red Bull instructed the 27-year-old to give the position back to Russell. This call ultimately led to the incident as Verstappen ended up slamming his car into the Mercedes.

Max Verstappen and Christian Horner (via Red Bull Content Pool)
Max Verstappen and Christian Horner (via Red Bull Content Pool)

Red Bull team boss Christian Horner revealed the reason for asking Verstappen to give back the position. The Briton recalled that the stewards have given several penalties for such instances this season. As such, the Red Bull pitwall knew that Max Verstappen would be penalized if he did not swap positions, even though the Dutchman firmly believed that he had no space to stay on-track.

We’ve seen so many penalties given this year already. We saw it was noted and that it went to the stewards. You then expect a penalty, so that’s why it was ‘Okay, you know what? We have to give up this position.’

Christian Horner said, as quoted by GPBlog

Certainly, Max Verstappen and Red Bull were not happy with the way their race ended in Barcelona. The reigning world champion was handed a ten-second time penalty that dropped him down to P10, leading to a massive loss of points. Moreover, Verstappen is now at the risk of a race ban with 11 penalty points in his super license. Thus, the Dutch driver will need to be more cautious in the coming races.

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