Just as the race appeared settled after the final round of pit stops — kicked off by Verstappen’s third when he was just a few seconds adrift of Norris — a safety car period intervened, caused by Kimi Antonelli’s Mercedes engine expiring smokily.

Verstappen appeared to back off exiting Turn 4 but subsequently hit the side of Russell's car into Turn 5. Verstappen was deemed culpable and handed a 10-second penalty, demoting him from fifth to 10th, as well as three penalty points—putting him one penalty point away from a one-race suspension.

Here’s a guide that tells you what you need to know about Sunday’s Spanish Grand Prix. It’s the ninth round of the 2025 Formula 1 season.