Tensions between Components 1 champion Max Verstappen and fellow driver George Russell are heating up forward of Sunday’s season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Addressing ESPN and some different media shops Thursday, Russell alleged that Verstappen threatened to “purposefully exit of his technique to crash into me and ‘put me on my (expletive) head within the wall,'” forward of final week’s race in Qatar.
The Mercedes driver was responding to feedback made by Crimson Bull’s Verstappen within the stewards’ room after an incident throughout final week’s qualifying. Verstappen misplaced his pole place after receiving a one-place grid penalty for blocking Russell throughout qualifying.
After Verstappen went on to win the race, he accused Russell of being two-faced throughout an interview for Dutch TV.
“You already know what it’s? He acts first rate in entrance of the digicam right here, however once you discuss to him personally, he’s a special individual,” Verstappen stated. “… I can not stand that. In that case you’ll be able to higher (expletive) off.”
On Thursday, Russell stated it was “fairly ironic” that Verstappen would query his integrity.
“I am not going to sit down right here and settle for it,” Russell stated. “Folks have been bullied by Max for years now, and you may’t query his driving skills. However he can not take care of adversity.
“Every time something has gone towards him … he lashes out. Budapest this 12 months, the very first race the automotive wasn’t dominant, crashing into Lewis (Hamilton), slamming his staff. … As I stated, for me, these feedback on Saturday night time and Sunday have been completely disrespectful and pointless.
“As a result of what occurs on monitor, we battle onerous, that is a part of racing. What occurs within the stewards’ room, you battle onerous, nevertheless it’s by no means private. However he is taken it too far now.”
Crimson Bull Racing didn’t instantly reply to ESPN’s request for remark.
Verstappen, 27, clinched his fourth consecutive world championship this season on the power of 9 wins and 19 top-five finishes.
Russell, 26, ranks sixth within the F1 standings after recording two wins and 11 top-five finishes through the 2024 season.
–Area Stage Media
