Schumacher suggests a bizarre conspiracy theory involving Verstappen.

      Conspiracy theories are emerging following Max Verstappen's "battering ram" maneuver in Barcelona, which significantly impacted his championship aspirations. The Dutch driver entered the Spanish Grand Prix amidst rumors suggesting that if he fell from P3 in the drivers' standings by the end of June, a clause in his Red Bull contract could be activated.

      Verstappen was on track for a P3 finish in Barcelona until the safety car deployment left him with only uncompetitive hard-compound tires. This led to a series of events that viewers witnessed, culminating in him seemingly losing his composure and intentionally colliding with George Russell.

      “We had an exciting strategy and a good race in Barcelona until the safety car was deployed,” Verstappen shared on Instagram. “Our tire choice to the end and some actions following the safety car restart fueled my frustration, resulting in a move that was inappropriate and should not have occurred. I always give my all for the team, and emotions can run high. We win together and lose together. See you in Montreal.”

      Russell, who has a strained relationship with the 27-year-old driver, maintained a measured response but suggested that Verstappen might not be setting a good example for children. "I’ll bring some tissues for him next time," Verstappen retorted.

      Despite calls for disqualification, the stewards ultimately handed down a 10-second penalty, relegating the four-time world champion to P10, nearly 50 points behind championship leader Oscar Piastri. Verstappen is also left with just 1 point remaining on his super license, meaning any further indiscretion by the end of June will result in an automatic race ban.

      "He used his car like a battering ram," remarked Alex Wurz, director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association alongside Russell, in comments to ORF. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff found himself in an uncomfortable position after the race, with Russell as the wronged party, yet reportedly open to the idea of welcoming Verstappen to the team in 2026. "If it was road rage, then it’s not good," he stated.

      On Italian television Sky, the Austrian was even more direct: "It was reminiscent of certain taxi drivers in Rome or Naples, who misbehave in traffic. If he acted out of anger, it’s unacceptable."

      Some believe that Verstappen's move, which involved allowing Russell to draw level before pushing him off the track, was meant to demonstrate exactly what the British driver did in turn 2 after the safety car returned to the pits. "I have nothing to say," Verstappen responded when asked about this. "I was rightly penalized for that maneuver and have no further comments." He did, however, mention that he has no intention of discussing the incident with Russell. "In life, you shouldn’t regret too many things," he asserted. "Because you only live once."

      Predictably, Red Bull advisor Dr. Helmut Marko supported his driver. “Emotions were running high during that whole situation," he remarked. "This is part of racing. Honestly, I think the biggest issue we face is the driving standards and what is permitted and what is not, which is not very clear. That’s quite frustrating, and that frustration was evident in his driving,” he added. “I’d rather not get into more details.”

      Dutch driver and commentator Tom Coronel stated on Viaplay that he believes Verstappen "won’t be too concerned" about losing points in Barcelona, considering McLaren’s ongoing superiority. “I’m not going to win the championship anyway, so I’ll show my teeth now,” he speculated about Verstappen’s mindset.

      Verstappen affirmed, “I never claimed I was in the title fight. It certainly doesn’t feel that way. If McLaren executes everything correctly, they are unbeatable. That has been clear this season.”

      Meanwhile, Ralf Schumacher proposes a conspiracy theory, suggesting that Verstappen may have intentionally created the penalty to lose points and inch closer to the rumored exit clause in his contract. “One must closely examine why such incidents occur and why he would receive an unnecessary penalty like that. We are aware of the clause,” he told Sky Deutschland. “It’s a critical phase,” Schumacher added.