A real ping-pong between the two drivers! Max Verstappen has refuted George Russell's version of arguments between the two men after qualifying in Qatar, describing him as a “traitor” after further discussions taking place today ahead of this weekend's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Russell lashed out at Verstappen on Thursday after the world champion said he had lost all respect for the Mercedes driver for lobbying stewards over a potential penalty last weekend. In his response, Russell claimed that Verstappen had made violent and threatening comments (read here), which the Dutchman denied before leaving the paddock.
Selon Russell, Verstappen a this: “I don't know why you want to fuck me like that, you disappoint me so much. I wasn't even going to race tomorrow, I was going to let you pass, but now, if I have to, I'm going to do it on purpose put your head upside down and into the wall”.
“That’s not true, I didn’t say it like that,” replies the Red Bull driver, visibly exasperated.
“He exaggerates again. You know what I can't stand? The way he attacks me in an unacceptable way with the commissioners and then acts as if nothing had happened the next day, patting me on the shoulder. In me I just think: “Stay away from me”. He invents all kinds of nonsense With me, it's always the same: here, at home, with the commissioners, I can't say the same thing. everyone. But I I'm not surprised by him.”
Russell also said that his rival was favored because no one stood up to him, even saying that “Masi would have been afraid for his life” if the situation had been reversed in 2021.
These remarks prompted another strong response from Verstappen, who said: “George is a traitor. The way he talks about all this nonsense, he's just a loser. He lies and puts things together that don't add up.”
“I only expressed my opinion on his behavior with the commissioners. It was clear he couldn't handle that. And his comments about 2021? That's how he behaved with the commissioners, in insinuating nonsense.”
Russell also said a quarter of his engineering team has sought work elsewhere.
“It's difficult for them, especially since we have poached many people from Mercedes for our engine program. It causes frustration. But we have the last laugh because we won the race last week.”
“They started from pole because of their nitpicking with the marshals, but 300 meters later they were already behind. Whatever Russell adds is irrelevant. I was very relaxed with the marshals, having already secured the lead. championship But he had to be dramatic to leave first.
Will things calm down between them?
“I'm not here to be best friends. That's not my goal in the paddock, so I don't care.”
“Especially if someone acts like that towards you in front of the commissioners. I'm done with them for a while.”
“Qatar is Qatar and we're moving on. I've given my opinion on what happened and that's it. Life goes on.”
