Verstappen lays it on Russell who responds

Is this the genesis of a new rivalry in F1 ? In view of their recent exchanges, Max Verstappen and George Russell may not see each other in the same way again. It all started in Qatar last weekend when the Dutchman pointed out the Englishman's attitude during their hearing before the commissioners.

As a reminder, Max Verstappen and George Russell were summoned after the four-time world champion found himself in the driver's path Mercedes in qualifying. Even though it was a preparation round for each of them, that of Red Bull got scooped from a penalty place on the grid to get " unnecessarily rolled slowly " Thus, he lost the benefit of his pole position, which went to his opponent.

Although he subsequently managed to win the Grand Prix, Max Verstappen did not mince his words against his counterpart, for whom he said he no longer had any respect. I couldn't believe I got it. But in a way, I also thought, it doesn't surprise me anymore, in the world I live in.he explained.

I didn't want to disturb anybody to prepare their lap. And by doing that, even being nice, you get a penalty. And that's what I tried to explain also [to the stewards] but I felt like I was talking to a brick wall… I was quite surprised to see what was happening in the stewards' room. I've been in that room many times in my life, in my career, with people who have driven and I've never seen [a pilot] trying to turn someone upside down with such determination. And that, for me… I lost all respect [for George Russell]. »

Verstappen vs Russell, episode 2

Inevitably, these remarks caused a lot of noise and as the last Grand Prix approached this weekend in Abu Dhabi, the subject was still at the heart of the debates. It was Max Verstappen who once again launched the hostilities, assuring that he had not " no regrets at all ». 

« Everything I said, I meant it., he proclaims. It still is. If I had to do it again, maybe I would say even more, given the result of the race. I still can't believe that someone could behave like that at the stewards. It was unacceptable to me. We are all drivers and we have a lot of respect for each other. (...) I have never experienced what happened to me at the commissioners in Qatar in my entire career. For me, it is really unacceptable. » 

Russell's Revelations 

Then came George Russell's turn to "defend himself". In the Abu Dhabi paddock, the Englishman appeared quite calm about the situation, not wanting to get into controversy, having known Max Verstappen's character for a long time. However, the Mercedes driver wanted to reveal some of the threatening remarks made by his counterpart in Qatar after the sanction was confirmed. 

« It's quite ironic, he says. Because Saturday (in Qatar) he said he was going to do everything he could to hit me and, quote, put “my f***ing head through the wall.” So to question someone’s integrity while making such comments the day before, I find that very ironic, and I’m not going to sit back and accept it. 

People have been intimidated by Max for years. There's no questioning his abilities as a pilot, but he can't stand the rivalry whenever something goes against him. » 

While he did not forget to cite certain examples such as the 2021 season or more recently his clash with Lewis Hamilton In Hungary this year, George Russell has no intention of setting things straight with Max Verstappen. I don't want to talk about it with him, he adds. I don't need to make amends. He's the one who has to deal with his problem. I won't be able to sleep on it.. " Atmosphere.

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