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Former F1 driver Michael Bleekemolen believes that four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has proved that he is ‘only human’ following one incident in the 2025 season.
Since emerging onto the F1 scene in 2015 as a hot-headed and ambitious 17-year-old, Max Verstappen has earned comparisons to Michael Schumacher through his unmatched passion for all categories of motorsport.
The 28-year-old has developed a somewhat robotic reputation for his formidable consistency and ability to withstand pressure during crucial moments in a Grand Prix.
However, one moment during the recently concluded 2025 campaign saw Verstappen display an uncharacteristic trait, one that was more reminiscent of his early days in Formula 1 racing.
Fill in the gap: Max Verstappen will finish his F1 career with _____ titles
Michael Bleekemolen says that Max Verstappen is ‘only human’ in verdict on his incident with George Russell
In an interview with RacingNews365 NL, former F1 driver Michael Bleekemolen asserted that Verstappen’s incident with George Russell at the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix cannot be attributed as the main reason why he missed out on the title.
After being ordered to concede his position to the Mercedes driver following an off at turn one, Verstappen saw red and seemingly collided with Russell intentionally.
The Red Bull star was slapped with a 10-second penalty for the incident, which dropped him down the order upon the drop of the chequered flag.
Bleekemolen believes that it showcased that his compatriot isn’t so much of a robotic figure behind the wheel as many portray him as.
The Dutchman said, “Yes, it happened once. But Max is only human. We all think he is a man who lacks emotion in this area, but apparently, he had to do it once.
“It’s a shame that it happened, but I actually think it’s typical of a good driver. You have to be able to let go sometimes. Whether it was entirely deliberate, I don’t know.”
Bleekemolen then pointed towards the incident between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri at the Canadian Grand Prix as a comparison to the speculation that comes with such an error.
He added, “If Norris hadn’t crashed into his teammate at Imola, he would have been finished much earlier this season. That remains a matter of ‘what if’.”
George Russell has warned Mercedes against signing Max Verstappen as his teammate
Mercedes have long been linked with bringing the four-time world champion to Brackley since before he had even touched the wheel of an F1 car.
Toto Wolff has been vying for Verstappen’s signature after letting him ‘slip through his fingers’ when Red Bull beat the Silver Arrows to the signing, and the links flared up again during the 2025 season.
However, the subpar relationship that Verstappen shares with Russell is something that Mercedes will need to be wary of if the move ever does come to fruition, with the five-time Grand Prix winner warning the German constructor that a clash would be ‘inevitable’ between the two drivers.
Red Bull currently have Verstappen locked into a contract until the end of the 2028 season, but with the various clauses that are included in his deal, it is possible for him to exit the team early if said clauses are met.
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