As the 2024 Formula 1 season draws to a close, the atmosphere between George Russell and Max Verstappen is deteriorating by the day. Threats, accusations of lying, and tensions during briefings have caused a sudden rift between the two drivers.
But what exactly is going on? Let’s take a look at a rivalry that goes beyond on-track battles.
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Verstappen’s threat on Russel
During the Qatar Grand Prix, the exchanges between Russell and Verstappen took a rather unusual turn. The British driver claimed that Verstappen had threatened to ‘put my f*****g head in the wall‘. According to Russell, this wasn’t just a bad joke but a serious intention. These remarks, reported during a press conference, immediately made headlines. Russell did not hesitate to criticize his rival’s behavior, even comparing him to Lewis Hamilton: “Lewis, even in his fiercest battles, never crossed the line like that.” This statement highlights a different philosophy of the sport and the values a world champion should uphold. As president of the Grand Prix Driver Association (GPDA), George Russell has been advocating for greater respect among drivers, as well as from the FIA. This incident underscores his push for a culture of respect both on and off the track.
A relationship about to blow up
Since that incident, Russell hasn’t hidden his frustration with Verstappen. On the other hand, Verstappen remains unapologetic. Regarding their altercation, Max stated, “I regret nothing and would go even further if I had to do it again.” While some admire the honesty of the four-time champion, who is consistent in his views both on and off camera, others see it as arrogance. This rivalry isn’t new, but it has escalated recently, especially after George Russell’s role in Verstappen receiving a penalty in Qatar. According to Max, Russell actively worked against him with the stewards. Russell, however, denies the accusation, arguing that he was simply “defending his integrity” and respecting the rules of racing.
Verstappen divides even within Red Bull
Another shocking revelation came from Russell, who claimed that part of the Red Bull team was ready to leave Verstappen because of his attitude. According to Russell, around 25% of the engineers had sent applications to other teams after Max’s harsh criticism of his own team during a difficult period of the season when the RB20 was particularly challenging to handle. These statements add another layer of complexity to Verstappen’s image. While his talent is undeniable, his off-track behavior, especially under pressure, raises many questions. For Russell, it’s the perfect example of how Max “doesn’t know how to handle pressure.” These two drivers will undoubtedly have plenty of opportunities to settle their differences on track—but hopefully while respecting the rules in few days for the last race of the season: the Abu Dhabi GP.
This article explores the escalating tensions between Russell and Verstappen, highlighting their contrasting personalities. Between Hamilton’s composure, accusations against Verstappen, and the tense atmosphere at Red Bull, F1 once again proves that it’s as captivating off the track as it is during races.
Image: © Getty Images / Red Bull Content pool
