Max Verstappen dismisses any tension with George Russell, insisting he’s focused on his break from F1 and has no interest in conflict.
Verstappen has refused to reignite a controversy that emerged at the end of the 2024 season.
Although the Dutchman secured his fourth consecutive drivers’ title, he faced sharp criticism from Mercedes’ George Russell over an incident during qualifying for the Qatar Grand Prix.
Russell has recently reopened the Qatar dispute, revealing that he had not spoken to Verstappen at all during the winter break and had “no intention” of doing so.
“Obviously, I felt things got out of hand last year,” the Briton added. “I made it clear that I wasn’t going to accept it.”
Verstappen, however, refuses to reignite the discord.
“Honestly, I have no intention of pursuing any kind of conflict in February.”
“I’m still enjoying my time away from Formula 1 and preparing for the season. Honestly, I have nothing to say about it.”
But Russell isn’t the only one taking a jab at Verstappen as anticipation for an intense 2025 championship battle continues to build. Last year’s runner-up, Lando Norris, also appears eager for the fight.
“I need to stand my ground and show him that I won’t be giving up positions willingly,” the McLaren driver stated.
Similarly, Verstappen has avoided discussing his likely rivals for the season.
“They’re motivated, that’s good, so am I, but I don’t need to make big statements. It will be seen on track. I prefer to focus solely on myself. That’s the only thing I can control, and that’s what I’ll always do.”
“When I’m away, I don’t really think about my rivals or anything like that. I just live my life. That’s the only thing I can really say.”
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No Drama: Verstappen Brushes Off Russell’s Latest Jab No Drama: Verstappen Brushes Off Russell’s Latest Jab No Drama: Verstappen Brushes Off Russell’s Latest Jab
