Jun 9, 2024; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Mercedes driver George Russell (GBR) reacts subsequent to winner Purple Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen (NED) after getting third place within the Canadian Grand Prix at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. Obligatory Credit score: Eric Bolte-Imagn Photos Tensions between System 1 champion Max Verstappen and fellow driver George Russell are heating up forward of Sunday’s season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Addressing ESPN and some different media retailers Thursday, Russell alleged that Verstappen threatened to “purposefully exit of his approach to crash into me and ‘put me on my (expletive) head within the wall,'” forward of final week’s race in Qatar.
The Mercedes driver was responding to feedback made by Purple Bull’s Verstappen within the stewards’ room after an incident throughout final week’s qualifying. Verstappen misplaced his pole place after receiving a one-place grid penalty for blocking Russell throughout qualifying.
After Verstappen went on to win the race, he accused Russell of being two-faced throughout an interview for Dutch TV.
“You recognize what it’s? He acts respectable in entrance of the digital camera right here, however whenever you discuss to him personally, he’s a distinct individual,” Verstappen mentioned. “… I am unable to stand that. In that case you’ll be able to higher (expletive) off.”
On Thursday, Russell mentioned it was “fairly ironic” that Verstappen would query his integrity.
“I am not going to take a seat right here and settle for it,” Russell mentioned. “Individuals have been bullied by Max for years now, and you may’t query his driving skills. However he can’t cope with adversity.
“Each time something has gone in opposition to him … he lashes out. Budapest this 12 months, the very first race the automotive wasn’t dominant, crashing into Lewis (Hamilton), slamming his workforce. … As I mentioned, for me, these feedback on Saturday night time and Sunday had been completely disrespectful and pointless.
“As a result of what occurs on observe, we battle exhausting, that is a part of racing. What occurs within the stewards’ room, you battle exhausting, but it surely’s by no means private. However he is taken it too far now.”
Purple Bull Racing didn’t instantly reply to ESPN’s request for remark.
Verstappen, 27, clinched his fourth consecutive world championship this season on the energy of 9 wins and 19 top-five finishes.
Russell, 26, ranks sixth within the F1 standings after recording two wins and 11 top-five finishes throughout the 2024 season.
–Discipline Degree Media