Max Verstappen sharply criticized George Russell after their Qatar clash, citing a complete loss of respect and heated tensions.
Verstappen stated after tonight’s race that he has lost all respect for George Russell following their incident during Saturday’s qualifying session in Qatar.
Max received a one-place grid penalty for driving too slowly during Q3, forcing Russell to take evasive action to avoid the rear of the Red Bull.
The penalty resulted in the two drivers swapping positions on the front row, with Russell inheriting pole position on the starting grid.
However, it was Verstappen who claimed victory in the race, overtaking Russell at the first corner and maintaining control throughout an event heavily impacted by multiple safety car interventions.
Speaking after the Grand Prix, Verstappen criticized Russell’s actions in the stewards’ room on Saturday night.
“I have a lot of respect for many drivers, but after last night, I’ve completely lost that respect for him.”
“I just thought it was ridiculous how he tried to impose a penalty on me in front of the stewards. I was really angry with him for that.”
Verstappen also accused the Mercedes driver of being hypocritical, insisting he is “a different person off-camera.”
“He always presents himself very well in front of the camera, but when you’re with him in person, he’s just a different person.”
“I can’t stand that, and honestly, he can go to hell. I don’t want to be involved in this anymore.”
Verstappen also criticized the FIA.
“I couldn’t believe I got a one-place penalty for that! But somehow, I wasn’t surprised anymore in the world we live in. I’m not happy about it, but at some point, you have to move on.”
“It wasn’t pleasant to see this happen because I think it’s the first time anyone has been penalized during a slow lap.”
“I was actually just trying to be considerate, so maybe I shouldn’t be. I didn’t want to hinder anyone preparing for their lap. And by doing that, by being considerate, you basically get a penalty.”
“And that’s what I tried to explain, but I felt like I was talking to a brick wall, so there wasn’t much that could be done for some reason.”
“I was quite surprised, sitting there in the stewards’ room, at what was unfolding. It was really disappointing, because I think all of us here respect each other a lot.”
“I’ve been in that meeting room many times throughout my life and career with people I’ve raced against. And I’ve never seen someone try to harm someone else so deliberately. For me, I’ve lost all respect for George.”
Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team principal, confirmed the tensions between the two drivers.
“He was frustrated with George and how things unfolded in front of the stewards yesterday. And he channeled that frustration into motivation for the race.”
“It was very clear he was highly motivated before this race. He got an incredible start. In that entire phase of ‘first, second, third gear’ off the line, he was determined to be the only car exiting the first corner in the lead.”
“And you could sense George felt it too. I believe there was a brief moment between them during the parade lap around the circuit, where Max told him things went too far yesterday and warned him he’d be relentless at the start.”
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Tensions Soar: Verstappen Hits Out at Russell Post-Qatar Tensions Soar: Verstappen Hits Out at Russell Post-Qatar
