The Spanish Grand Prix of 2025 will enter the history books as a race full of controversies, with Max Verstappen and George Russell as protagonists in a heated confrontation. In the final phase of the race, after a strategic blunder by Red Bull Racing, Verstappen deliberately clashed with his Red Bull against the Mercedes of Russell. This incident led to a storm of reactions, both on the circuit and beyond. In the recent episode of the F1 at the table podcast of Grand Prix Radio, radio presenter Rob van Someren expressed an unsalted opinion about Russell, whom he called a “crying bar” and a “small port”, with the mocking addition “diaper around.” This article dives in the background of the incident, the statements of Van Someren and the broader implications for Formula 1.

The race in Barcelona was a turning point in a challenging season for Verstappen. Red Bull chose to put him on hard tires during a Safety Car phase, a decision that brought him into a adverse position compared to competitors such as Charles Leclerc and George Russell, who rode on softer tires. Frustrated by this tactical misstep and the subsequent battle on the track, Verstappen consciously sent his car in the side of Russells Mercedes. The FIA ​​stewards imposed a time penalty of ten seconds and added three penalty points to his super license, which means he is now on eleven points and risk a suspension. Afterwards, Verstappen admitted that the collision was intentionally, which further heated the minds.

In the F1 at Table podcast, recorded shortly after the race, Rob van Someren, known from 100% NL and an avid Formula 1 enthusiast, did not leave Russell a chip. At the table with Olav Mol, Frans Verschuur and Mattie Valk, he mainly criticized Russell’s response after the incident. Russell had suggested in an interview that Verstappens action was a bad example for children watching the race. Van Someren found this comment exaggerated and hypocritical. “I have something like that, if you do it, do it at Russell,” he said. “I think that Russell is really a crying bar. That hassle of” oh, all those children who look at us, what should they think? “Put on a diaper and lie down!” His sharp words provided both laughter and consent at the table, but also distributed reactions among fans.

Van Someren’s statements reflect a broader frustration among some Formula 1 fans and analysts about the dynamics between Verstappen and Russell. Verstappen, which is already under heavy pressure due to a backlog of 49 points at World Cup leader Oscar Piastri and internal problems at Red Bull, often receives criticism of his aggressive driving style. Yet he also has a large number of supporters who appreciate his passion and fighting spirit. Russell, on the other hand, is seen by some as a driver who lets his emotions speak too much, especially after incidents on the track. Van Someren pointed to Russell’s tendency to complain in the podcast, which, according to him, detracts from his credibility.

The incident and the subsequent discussion raise questions about the role of emotions in Formula 1. Verstappen, known for his unfiltered approach, has often shown in the past that he cannot or wants to hide his frustrations. Rob van Gameren, in a recent broadcast by Ziggo Sports Race Café, noted that these emotional outbursts are part of Verstappen’s character. “People thought he had grown up, but this always stays with Max,” he said. This sentiment was partly shared by Van Someren, who did not approve Verstappens action, but emphasized 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 to Verstappen. Mercedes, which achieves changeable results this season, will want to shift the focus to the upcoming races in Canada and Austria. The situation is precarious for Verstappen. With a possible suspension in prospect and a team struggling with strategic choices, he faces a crucial phase in his title fight. Van Someren’s statements, no matter how humorous intended, underline the polarizing nature of Verstappens personality and driving style.

Formula 1 remains a sport in which passion, rivalry and media attention go hand in hand. Van Someren’s words in F1 at Table podcast have further fueled the discussion about the incident, with fans who defend both Verstappen and Russell. While the sport is preparing for the next races, the tension between these two drivers will undoubtedly continue to smolder. For Van Someren and his co -presenters, this incident offers food for even more spicy analyzes, where the boundary between humor and criticism is sometimes thin, but always reflects the passion for the sport.