Probably won't be friends anymore: Max Verstappen (left) and George Russell. © APA / MARK THOMPSON

“He should fuck off”: Verstappen is fuming

After making a clear statement on the track about next year’s Formula 1 title fight, Max Verstappen took on one of his designated main rivals.

02 December 2024

From: apa/dl

Calmly, but firmly and with a certain sharpness, the 27-year-old Dutchman declared any collegial relationship with Mercedes man George Russell to be practically over. "It is very disappointing. I have lost all respect," said the world champion.

"He is always very polite in front of the cameras, but when you sit down with him, he is a completely different person. I can't stand that," said Verstappen on the night in Qatar after his victory at the Lusail International Circuit. "It would be better if he pissed off," he told Dutch broadcaster Viaplay.

"He is always very polite in front of the cameras, but when you sit down with him, he is a completely different person." Max Verstappen on George Russell

Verstappen's fifth title mission has already begun
The trigger for Verstappen's strong words was Russell's demand for a penalty because he felt that Verstappen had hindered him in qualifying. Remarkably, Russell - like Verstappen - had not even set a fast lap.

Verstappen furious with Russell

"I thought it was ridiculous how he tried to impose a penalty on me and I was really angry with him," said Verstappen, accusing his competitor, who is one of the spokespersons for the drivers' association, of being too close to the world association's rule enforcers. Due to the incident with Russell on the track, Verstappen had to give up his pole position to the Briton following a decision by the race stewards.

Max Verstappen is attacked heavily. © APA/afp / GIUSEPPE CACACE

After apparently saying a few hearty words during the drivers' parade, Verstappen let his actions speak for themselves on the track. He overtook Russell in the first corner and won the penultimate race of the season.
Victory number 63 in the Dutchman's career, just one week after his fourth World Championship triumph, was also a sign of title mission number five. "Max Verstappen is obviously still not satisfied," wrote the "Kurier" newspaper from Red Bull's home country of Austria.

How does Russell counter?

"A victory like this just before the winter break is incredibly important and motivating," emphasised Red Bull's motorsport advisor Helmut Marko: "We have to carry this momentum with us. Next year - the regulations remain the same - it will be closer."

Russell could then be one of Verstappen's top challengers. After record world champion Lewis Hamilton moved to Ferrari after this season, the eloquent Briton sees himself as the leader of the Silver Arrows. His new teammate will be the 18-year-old premier class newcomer Kimi Antonelli.

But the focus at the Yas Marina Circuit will probably be on the reunion between Verstappen and Russell. "Max Verstappen accuses George Russell of being 'two-faced,'" commented the British Daily Mail. "Max Verstappen condemns his colleague in the strongest possible terms," ​​said the Guardian. Whether Russell defends himself with words in the paddock or actions on the track will be seen in Abu Dhabi.