Max Verstappen unleashes furious radio tirade at Carlos Sainz in Spa FP3

Max Verstappen erupted over team radio at the Belgian Grand Prix after Carlos Sainz nearly ploughed into him during FP3 yellow flags.

What happened?

On 26 July at Spa-Francorchamps, Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari barrelled into the Turn 13 barrier in FP3. That triggered double yellow flags. Sainz, running behind Verstappen, almost rear-ended the Red Bull under the yellows. Verstappen’s furious reaction was caught on the team channel.

Speaking over the radio, Verstappen snapped: “What the ****?!” before ranting: “My god! It’s like double yellows and this car almost crashes in the back of me! Unbelievable!” The outburst was picked up by worldwide feeds.

Why it matters for Max Verstappen

Verstappen’s rage wasn’t just noise. The FIA hauled Sainz to the stewards on Saturday for allegedly failing to slow under the yellows. They reviewed team radio, telemetry, marshalling data and in-car footage. The governing body concluded no action was needed.

The FIA explained both drivers had started braking roughly 80 metres before the double-yellow zone. By the time Sainz entered the sector he’d cut speed sharply and kept it low throughout. The stewards accepted his account that he was surprised by Verstappen’s closing speed.

The bigger picture at Spa

Sainz wasn’t the only target of frustration. Earlier on Friday, his slow Williams irritated championship leader Kimi Antonelli in practice. Then came the near-miss with Verstappen. The stewards’ decision means Sainz escapes punishment despite Verstappen’s public dressing-down.

What comes next?

The Belgian Grand Prix sprint and main race loom. Verstappen will line up on pole after topping qualifying. Sainz starts 12th after the FP3 incident. The stewards’ call won’t cool tempers ahead of Sunday’s shootout.

The FIA’s ruling ends the episode. But Verstappen’s radio tirade has already stoked another flashpoint in a season packed with them.