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MAX VERSTAPPEN has declared that he has ‘lost all respect’ for George Russell following a scathing critique.
The Red Bull driver, 27, and the British competitor were involved in a controversial incident during qualifying in Qatar on Saturday.
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Verstappen incurred a one-place grid penalty for the Qatar Grand Prix due to a decision that he drove too slowly during Q3, which forced Russell to take evasive maneuvers as he approached Verstappen’s vehicle.
This incident placed Russell in pole position, moving Verstappen back to second.
Despite this, Verstappen was able to clinch victory in the grand prix by overtaking Russell right at the start.
This enabled the Dutch competitor to dominate the race, which faced significant interruptions from safety cars, eventually crossing the finish line first.
Post-race, Verstappen aired his frustrations towards Russell in the stewards’ room.
“I respect many drivers, but after last night, I completely lost that respect for him,” Verstappen shared with Viaplay.
“I found it ridiculous how he tried to force a penalty on me. I was furious with him for that.”
Verstappen further labeled the Mercedes driver as two-faced before launching an explicit onslaught.
“He always presents himself well in front of the cameras, but when you’re with him in private, he’s a totally different person,” Verstappen remarked.
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“I can’t bear that, and honestly, it would be better if he f***ed off. I’d rather keep my distance.”
Verstappen wasn’t the only one feeling the heat in Qatar.
Lewis Hamilton had a meltdown and clashed with his team after expressing a wish to retire.
The seven-time world champion vented his frustrations after suffering a puncture and receiving a penalty in his penultimate race with Mercedes.
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Hamilton’s race engineer, Peter Bonnington, communicated via team radio: “We have to serve a drive-through penalty in the pit lane.”
“It seems you failed to push the button on that first occasion behind the Safety Car.”
Hamilton retorted: “Retire the car, mate. Just park the car, mate.”
Bonnington replied: “Negative.”
