This week, neither Max Verstappen nor George Russell is backing down in their ongoing rivalry. Verstappen has expressed that he has “lost respect” for his adversary following his failure to secure pole position against the Mercedes driver in Qatar. In response, Russell has accused Verstappen of ‘intimidating’ fellow competitors and suggested that the former race […]
This week, neither Max Verstappen nor George Russell is backing down in their ongoing rivalry.
Verstappen has expressed that he has “lost respect” for his adversary following his failure to secure pole position against the Mercedes driver in Qatar.
In response, Russell has accused Verstappen of ‘intimidating’ fellow competitors and suggested that the former race director Michael Masi, who was let go after the controversial Abu Dhabi Grand Prix three years prior, would have been “fearing for his life” if Hamilton had come out victorious instead.
“Lewis stood up to him (Verstappen) in 2021, and Lewis was denied that championship unfairly. Can you envision if the roles were reversed? I mean, [Michael] Masi would definitely be on edge,” Russell remarked.
“Lewis is a world champion whom I strive to emulate, and I believe he represents the gold standard of a role model for younger generations.
“The way Lewis navigated that championship battle was commendable; he was tough, tenacious, yet always respectful, and he never crossed the line.
“I find it quite ironic considering that on Saturday night he (Verstappen) stated he would intentionally try to crash into me and ‘put me on my f***ing head in the wall.
“Therefore, challenging someone’s integrity as an individual while making such statements just a day prior is rather rich, and I refuse to accept it.
“Max has bullied others for years now, and while you can’t dispute his driving skills, he struggles with handling opposition. Whenever circumstances don’t favor him – Jeddah ’21, Brazil ’21 – he retaliates. Look at Budapest this year, the first time the car wasn’t dominant, crashing into Lewis and criticizing his team…
“To me, those remarks on Saturday night and Sunday were thoroughly disrespectful and unnecessary. What occurs on the track is a fierce competition, which is part of racing.
“What transpires in the stewards’ room is also competitive, but it should never be a personal issue. However, he has crossed the line at this point.”
