As the 2024 Formula 1 season concludes in Abu Dhabi, tensions soar as George Russell and Max Verstappen engage in an intense verbal spat. However, that didn’t deter their fellow competitors from pulling a prank on Russell, who arrived late to the drivers’ end-of-season gathering. George Russell targeted by drivers’ pranks in Abu Dhabi A […]
As the 2024 Formula 1 season concludes in Abu Dhabi, tensions soar as George Russell and Max Verstappen engage in an intense verbal spat.
However, that didn’t deter their fellow competitors from pulling a prank on Russell, who arrived late to the drivers’ end-of-season gathering.
George Russell targeted by drivers’ pranks in Abu Dhabi
A peculiar exchange between Mercedes’ George Russell and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen has taken center stage ahead of the 2024 Formula 1 season finale in Abu Dhabi.
During last week’s event in Qatar, Verstappen received a grid penalty after Russell nearly collided with him during qualifying. Russell asserted he maintained the minimum delta speed and would have hit Verstappen had he not swerved; Verstappen countered that he was avoiding interference with other drivers’ laps and accused Russell of whining to the stewards.
Post-race, Verstappen declared he had “lost all respect” for Russell, labeling him as “two-faced.”
In response, Russell remarked that Verstappen appeared angry even prior to their conversation, alleging that Verstappen intended to deliberately make contact with him during the race. He insisted that he would not be “intimidated” by Verstappen.
These conflicts, however, did not stop the other racers from joking with the two opponents.
Explore the latest clash between George Russell and Max Verstappen:
👉 What instigated the explosive conflict between Max Verstappen and George Russell?
👉 Mercedes prepares for another Red Bull battle as F1 2021 tensions rise again
On Thursday night, most drivers convened for a customary end-of-season dinner together. As per the BBC, Russell was the last to arrive, and his fellow competitors had a surprise waiting for him.
Only two seats remained at the table, both located next to Verstappen.
According to the BBC, Verstappen greeted Russell with a “Hi George,” while indicating for him to take a seat. Russell returned the greeting but promptly moved one of the available chairs to join his Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton instead.
This playful act by the other drivers was clearly meant to fuel the rivalry further, but it raises an interesting question: If Russell had taken a seat next to Verstappen, could they have resolved their issues over dinner?
Read next: Unveiled: All the formal (and informal) farewells happening in Abu Dhabi
