"Sometimes things get spicy. I have some tissues if he needs them."

BARCELONA—Sunday’s Spanish Grand Prix took a turn for the worst—or best?—when Max Verstappen, clearly channeling Mario Kart or perhaps just his inner diva, defended a highly questionable move on George Russell by simply stating: “I didn’t hear no bell,” while flailing his fists up and down and moving side to side.

The incident, which occurred in the final laps of the race, saw Verstappen lunge back at Russell with what appeared to be more emotion than strategy—diving aggressively into Turn 1, leaving both cars dancing on the edge of disaster and several race stewards salivating at the rare chance to give Verstappen some penalty points.

“Yeah, I felt it was deliberate,” Russell said post-race, still visibly annoyed and polishing his helmet like he’d just left the trenches. “We’d been racing hard, I got past him fair and square, and then suddenly—boom—he’s sending it like we’re in one of his sim lobbies.”

Verstappen, who held onto a points-paying position—just one point—after the move but drew the ire of both fans and FIA officials, remained unapologetic. “Look, if someone gets ahead of me and I don’t like it, I’m going to remind them who’s in charge,” he said, adjusting his cap with feigned calmness, making it clear he absolutely did hear the bell—but chose violence anyway. “This is racing. Sometimes things get spicy. I have some tissues if he needs them.”

Observers were quick to pick up on the quote, a nod to the sophisticated musings of South Park's Randy Marsh, who popularized the battle cry for unhinged comebacks. Verstappen’s use of it suggests he sees himself as an underappreciated underdog. That’s no way to treat a four-time world champion.

“Honestly, they’re lucky both cars made it out intact,” said former driver and current commentator David Coulthard. “It was less ‘controlled aggression’ and more ‘screw it, let’s see what happens.’ Verstappen’s move looked like it was sponsored by ten-year-old energy.”

While stewards did hand Verstappen three penalty points—likely just to satisfy their primal urge to penalize someone—social media exploded. Verstappen responded by promoting new I Didn’t Hear No Bell shirts, with proceeds going toward his fines and a little pocket change in case he’s banned from racing.

Even Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff weighed in. “Maybe Max didn’t see George,” he said dryly. “But that would mean he’s completely blind. So he should either retire from racing—or come to Mercedes. We can cure blindness. Tell Jos that.”

With the championship still wide open and Verstappen’s meme-driven mindset clearly activated, fans can only hope the next rounds don’t involve a flying elbow or a folding chair.