Max Verstappen changes tune on George Russell crash as F1 star issues statement

has admitted his collision with at the was 'not right' after dodging the issue on Sunday. Verstappen appeared to intentionally crash into the side of Russell out of frustration after being told to let him past.

The Red Bull driver was slapped with a 10-second time penalty for the manoeuvre, which dropped him down to P10 and dealt him a stinging blow in the world title race. Verstappen was also given three penalty points, with a one-race ban looming if he picks up one more over the next two Grands Prix.

When asked whether he hit Russell on purpose, Verstappen told after the checkered flag: "Does it matter? I prefer to speak about the race than just one single moment."

Having had a day to reflect, Verstappen painted an entirely different picture of the incident with a statement on . It was notable, however, that 's name was not mentioned, and there was no apology from the Dutchman.

He wrote: "We had an exciting strategy and good race in Barcelona, until the safety car came out. Our tyre choice to the end and some moves after the safety car restart fuelled my frustration, leading to a move that was not right and shouldn't have happened.

"I always give everything out there for the team and emotions can run high. You win some together, you lose some together. See you in Montreal."

Sky Sports pundit Nico Rosberg thought that Verstappen should have been immediately disqualified, and Russell agreed. "If it was truly deliberate than absolutely [he should have been disqualified] because you cannot deliberately crash into another driver," said the star, who finished fourth.

"We are putting our lives on the line. We are fortunate the cars are as safe as they are these days but we shouldn't take it for granted. It is down to the stewards to decide if it was deliberate or not and, if they do think it was deliberate, then they need a hard precedent."

Russell previously stated that he 'does not respect' Verstappen, and after Sunday's incident, he suggested that the reigning world champion should do more to be a better role model.

"It is a shame," he said. "Max is one of the best drivers in the world but manoeuvres like that are totally unnecessary. It lets him down and it is a shame for all of the young kids looking up to us, aspiring to be Formula One drivers."