OPINION: Max Verstappen is close to being the perfect Formula 1 driver – but the Spanish Grand Prix has exposed an old

Max Verstappen hit into George Russell during the latter stages of the Spanish Grand Prix, sparking a penalty and a backlash online as fans and pundits alike slammed his actions

Max Verstappen's hopes of a fifth F1 title are fading fast as the Red Bull driver endured a disastrous Spanish Grand Prix while McLaren ended first and second.

BARCELONA, Spain — In a year in which McLaren has emerged as Formula One’s dominant team with a brilliant car and two outstanding drivers, Max Verstappen’s efforts to stay in the hunt for the World Championship must be applauded.

Max Verstappen rammed into George Russell in the final laps of the Spanish Grand Prix, earning himself a penalty, as the McLaren driver joked he does the same on Mario Kart

The Dutchman dropped down to P10 and suffered a big blow in his title ambitions, having caused a collision with George Russell. Sky Sports F1 pundit Nico Rosberg accused Verstappen of making a deliberate contact and wanted the Red Bull man disqualified from the race.

Joining Red Bull Racing can be both a blessing and a curse for any driver who isn’t Max Verstappen — and that has certainly been the case for Yuki Tsunoda. Since being promoted to the team, the Japanese driver has struggled to find his footing and bring the competition to his teammate.

Former Formula 1 driver Jos Verstappen still partakes in rally racing at the age of 53 but suffered a crash which saw his Skoda Fabia roll over in Sweden on Friday