The 2025 Spanish Grand Prix will go down in history as a race fraught with controversy, with Max Verstappen and George Russell taking centre stage in a heated confrontation. In the closing stages of the race, following a strategic blunder by Red Bull Racing, Verstappen deliberately crashed his Red Bull into Russell’s Mercedes. The incident sparked a storm of reactions, both on and off the track. In a recent episode of Grand Prix Radio’s F1 Aan Tafel podcast, radio host Rob van Someren offered some blunt criticism of Russell, calling him a “crybaby” and a “little brat,” with the added sarcastic comment “in a nappy and lying down.” This article takes a look at the background to the incident, Van Someren’s comments and the wider implications for Formula 1.

The race in Barcelona was a turning point in an already challenging season for Verstappen. Red Bull opted to put him on hard tyres during a safety car phase, a decision that put him at a disadvantage compared to rivals such as Charles Leclerc and George Russell, who were running on softer tyres. Frustrated by this tactical blunder and the ensuing on-track battle, Verstappen deliberately steered his car into the side of Russell’s Mercedes. The FIA ​​stewards imposed a ten-second time penalty and added three penalty points to his superlicence, leaving him with 11 points and risking a suspension. Verstappen admitted afterwards that the collision was deliberate, further inflaming tensions.

In the F1 Aan Tafel podcast, recorded shortly after the race, Rob van Someren, known from 100% NL and an avid Formula 1 fan, left Russell in pieces. At the table with Olav Mol, Frans Verschuur and Mattie Valk, he mainly criticized Russell’s reaction after the incident. Russell had suggested in an interview that Verstappen’s action was a bad example for children watching the race. Van Someren found this comment exaggerated and hypocritical. “I’m like, if you’re going to do it, do it to Russell,” he said. “I think Russell is a real crybaby. That stuff of ‘oh, all those children watching us, what must they be thinking?’ Put on a diaper and lie down!” His sharp words caused both laughter and agreement at the table, but also divided reactions among fans.

Van Someren’s comments reflect a broader frustration among some Formula 1 fans and analysts about the dynamic between Verstappen and Russell. Verstappen, who is already under heavy pressure due to a 49-point deficit to championship leader Oscar Piastri and internal problems at Red Bull, is often criticized for his aggressive driving style. Yet he also has a large fan base who appreciate his passion and fighting spirit. Russell, on the other hand, is seen by some as a driver who lets his emotions get the better of him, especially after incidents on track. In the podcast, Van Someren pointed out Russell’s tendency to complain, which he believes undermines his credibility.

The incident and the ensuing discussion raise questions about the role of emotions in Formula 1. Verstappen, who is known for his unfiltered approach, has shown in the past that he cannot or does not always want to hide his frustrations. Rob van Gameren, in a recent episode of Ziggo Sports Race Café, noted that these emotional outbursts are part of Verstappen’s character. “People thought he had matured, but this is always present with Max,” he said. This sentiment was partly shared by Van Someren, who did not condone Verstappen’s action, but did emphasize that Russell was a logical target for his frustration.

For Russell and Mercedes, the race in Spain was a mixed success. Although Russell scored points, his performance was overshadowed by the incident with Verstappen. Mercedes, who have had mixed results this season, will want to shift their focus to the upcoming races in Canada and Austria. For Verstappen, the situation is precarious. With a possible suspension looming and a team struggling with strategic choices, he faces a crucial phase in his title fight. Van Someren’s comments, however humorous, underline the polarizing nature of Verstappen’s personality and driving style.

Formula 1 remains a sport where passion, rivalry and media attention go hand in hand. Van Someren’s words in the F1 Aan Tafel podcast have further fueled the discussion about the incident, with fans defending both Verstappen and Russell. As the sport prepares for the next races, the tension between these two drivers will undoubtedly continue to simmer. For Van Someren and his co-hosts, this incident provides fodder for even more spicy analysis, where the line between humor and criticism is sometimes thin, but always reflects the passion for the sport.