Max Verstappen was sanctioned for a collision with George Russell on Sunday
Red Bull team principal Horner rubbished claims Dutchman crashed intentionally

Red Bull Racing chief Christian Horner has dismissed claims that Max Verstappen intentionally crashed at the Spanish Grand Prix as 'utter nonsense'.

During an emotionally charged race at the Circuit de Barcelona on Sunday Verstappen lost his cool with his rival George Russell after being asked to hand his place back to the Mercedes star.

The stewards found Verstappen to blame for the collision and handed him a 10-second penalty that plunged him from fifth to a 10th-place finish.

The disappointing showing means Verstappen now sits third in the Formula One drivers' standings, behind Lando Norris and more than 40 points adrift of leader Oscar Piastri.

Schumacher's theory derives from reports that Verstappen has a clause in his contract that would allow him to leave Red Bull at the end of 2025 if he finishes below third in the drivers' standings at the end of the season.

Max Verstappen slipped further down the drivers' standings after colliding with George Russell at Sunday's Spanish Grand Prix

Ralf Schumacher wildly claimed that the Dutchman is sabotaging his performances in order to get out of his Red Bull contract early

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner rubbished the theory, calling it 'utter nonsense'

'One has to pay attention now – if such a clause exists – why such things suddenly happen?' Schumacher said on Sky Germany after Sunday's race.

'And why do you incur a penalty that is so unnecessary? It could also be that once you've made the decision for yourself, you no longer want to ensure that it remains that way.'

The wild claims have drawn the ire of Red Bull chiefs, including team principal Christian Horner, who called the theory 'stupid'.

'I haven't heard anything so stupid in a long time. Max is a racer through and through. He always wants to win and would never act like that.'

Horner has long endured a mixed relationship with his star driver, with the husband of former Spice Girls member Geri Halliwell repeatedly butting heads with Verstappen's father, Jos.

In June of last year Jos accused Horner of trying 'to force him out of a Legends Parade' as part of the festivities surrounding the Austrian Grand Prix.