Verstappen had been on course for a strong third place in Barcelona until the safety car was deployed late in the race.

All the leaders – and most of the rest of the field – pitted for fresh soft tyres, but Red Bull opted to give Verstappen fresh hard tyres.

He questioned the decision upon returning to the track and team principal Christian Horner admitted that in hindsight, the best choice would have been to leave Verstappen out on softs which had done eight racing laps.

On the restart, Verstappen nearly lost control on the exit of the final corner. He was immediately passed by Charles Leclerc on the straight, the two cars lightly touching as their trajectories converged, and then by Russell into the first corner, where they banged wheels.

Verstappen accused Russell of barging him off the track, and was also upset about the Leclerc incident. But after stewards launched an investigation into him leaving the track and gaining an advantage, Red Bull decided to ask him to let Russell by, to avoid a penalty.

Verstappen argued against it, but was told by race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase that it was “the rules”.

Moments later, the clash occured at Turn Five on lap 64 of 66, and stewards decided Verstappen had “significantly reduced (his) speed thereby appearing to allow [Russell] to overtake” but that once Russell was ahead Verstappen “suddenly accelerated and collided with [Russell]”.

Horner admitted Verstappen was “obviously upset and annoyed” and “frustrated” but said they would discuss the matter internally.

The three penalty points that Verstappen received mean he will have to keep his nose clean over the next two races in Canada and Austria.

After those races, some points will come off his licence because they go beyond their year’s expiry.