Tensions erupt as Verstappen brands Russell a “traitor” and “loser,” accusing him of fabricating stories amid growing paddock conflict.
A real back-and-forth between the two drivers! Max Verstappen has dismissed George Russell’s account of their disputes following qualifying in Qatar, labeling him a “traitor” after further exchanges today ahead of this weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Russell criticized Verstappen on Thursday after the world champion stated he had lost all respect for the Mercedes driver for pushing the stewards over a potential penalty last weekend. In response, Russell claimed Verstappen had made violent and threatening remarks (read here), which the Dutchman denied before leaving the paddock.
According to Russell, Verstappen allegedly said: “I don’t know why you want to screw me over like this, you disappoint me so much. I wasn’t even going to race tomorrow, I was going to let you pass, but now, if I have to, I’ll make sure to flip you over and put you into the wall.”
“That’s not true, I didn’t say it like that,” the visibly frustrated Red Bull driver responded.
“He’s exaggerating again. You know what I can’t stand? The way he attacks me unacceptably with the stewards and then acts like nothing happened the next day, patting me on the shoulder. Inside, I’m just thinking: ‘Stay away from me.’ He makes up all kinds of nonsense. With me, it’s always the same: here, at home, with the stewards, I don’t change. The same can’t be said for everyone. But I’m not surprised by him.”
Russell also claimed his rival had been given preferential treatment because no one had stood up to him, even suggesting that “Masi would have feared for his life” if the situation had been reversed in 2021.
These remarks prompted another firm response from Verstappen, who stated: “George is a traitor. The way he talks about all this nonsense, he’s just a loser. He lies and pieces together things that don’t add up.”
“I only expressed my opinion about his behavior with the stewards. It was clear he couldn’t handle it. And his comments about 2021? That’s exactly how he behaved with the stewards, insinuating nonsense.”
Russell also claimed that a quarter of his team’s engineers had looked for jobs elsewhere.
“It’s tough for them, especially since we’ve poached many people from Mercedes for our engine program. That causes frustration. But we have the last word because we won the race last week.”
“They started on pole because of their nitpicking with the stewards, but 300 meters later, they were already behind. Everything Russell adds is meaningless. I was very relaxed with the stewards, having already secured the championship. But he had to dramatize to start in front.”
Will things calm down between them?
“I’m not here to be best friends. That’s not my goal in the paddock, so I don’t care.”
“Especially if someone behaves like that towards you in front of the stewards. I’m done with him for now.”
“Qatar is Qatar, and we move on. I’ve shared my view on what happened, and that’s it. Life goes on.”
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Paddock War Escalates: Verstappen Labels Russell a Liar Paddock War Escalates: Verstappen Labels Russell a Liar
