Friday marked a significant moment in F1 track news, but we’ll also update you on everything else happening behind the scenes. On a day when the Leclerc brothers made history as the first Formula 1 drivers to share not just a car but also a family lineage, there is plenty more to bring you up […]
Friday marked a significant moment in F1 track news, but we’ll also update you on everything else happening behind the scenes.
On a day when the Leclerc brothers made history as the first Formula 1 drivers to share not just a car but also a family lineage, there is plenty more to bring you up to speed on – so let’s dive in.
F1 news: Verstappen calls Russell ‘bully’ and a ‘loser’ after intense press conference
Max Verstappen rejected George Russell’s assertion that he intended to crash into him at the first corner in Qatar last time, branding his rival a “bully” and a “loser.”
It’s clear that the two are not exactly enjoying a friendly weekend.
He expressed to Dutch media in Abu Dhabi: “Yes, but George is a bully.
“He stirs up all this nonsense. He’s just a loser. He fabricates lies and puts together all sorts of things that aren’t true.
“I merely shared my thoughts on his actions with the stewards. He’s evidently not comfortable with that.”
Read more: Verstappen refutes crash allegation made by ‘bully’ and ‘loser’ Russell
Russell and Verstappen maintained distance at driver dinner
Continuing the theme of their poor relationship in Abu Dhabi, both still showed up at the all-driver dinner at Yas Marina to celebrate the season’s conclusion.
Lando Norris addressed the question on everyone’s mind, posting on Instagram that “Yes, the two you’re thinking about were seated as far apart as possible.”
Oh, Lando.
Read more: Russell and Verstappen sat ‘as far apart as they could’ at F1 driver dinner
On a brighter note…
In a happier turn of events, Verstappen and his long-time partner Kelly Piquet revealed on Friday that they are expecting a child together.
Heartfelt congratulations to the joyful couple, and this news also prompted a revisit of his previous comments regarding his career’s conclusion, expressing his desire to be present for his future children.
“My sister has three kids, and watching them grow up, playing with remote or electric cars, takes me back to my youth,” he shared on the Podpah Podcast.
“That realization hits me; I don’t want to race forever. I want to witness their growth, perhaps see my own children grow up too and spend quality time with them.”
Read more: Max Verstappen’s ‘watch them grow’ sentiment in light of ‘miracle’ baby news
Horner vs Wolff, the saga continues
After Toto Wolff referred to Christian Horner, his Red Bull counterpart, as a “yapping little terrier” for stepping into the Verstappen vs Russell discussion and tagged the Mercedes driver as “hysterical,” Horner has fired back.
He stated to the media, including PlanetF1.com in Abu Dhabi: “Is being called a terrier really such an insult? They aren’t scared to take on the larger dogs.
“I’d prefer to be a terrier than a wolf.”
Meow. Or bark, as fits the moment.
Read more: Christian Horner responds with ‘rather a terrier than a wolf’
New F1 circuit secures its spot on calendar long-term
Shifting gears from the drama, the Chinese Grand Prix has locked in its future on the calendar with a five-year contract extension extending to 2030.
They won’t have a local driver to cheer for next year, as Zhou Guanyu is currently exploring a third driver opportunity on the grid, but retaining a key market’s position on the calendar is significant – by the end of the contract, China will have been featured for over 25 years.
Apologies if that made anyone feel a bit nostalgic.
Read more: Chinese Grand Prix future solidified with latest F1 contract confirmation
