Clashes, settling of scores between drivers, promises and tributes… find the little sentences that caused a stir in the world of Formula 1 this year.
“Do you know what he is like? He's always very polite in front of the cameras, but as soon as they're off he's a completely different person. I can't stand this, he can go fuck himself. I don't want anything to do with him anymore.” Max Verstappen on George Russell after an incident in qualifying on Saturday at the Qatar Grand Prix. The Dutchman had to give up his pole position after being penalized with a place on the grid for driving too slowly during a lap. The Briton from the Mercedes team claimed to have been bothered by the slowness of the world champion.
“I played my part in respecting team instructions, as I always have. Unfortunately, we see the trend that will continue until the end of the year. This is not correct. I did my job, not the team.” Esteban Ocon very upset after the Canadian Grand Prix against Alpine's instructions asking him to give up his 9th place to his teammate Pierre Gasly.
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“Renault, they have always betrayed me”, Alain Prost discussing his relationship with the French manufacturer during his long career, in the Canal+ documentary series.
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“Why does Horner feel entitled to comment on what my driver says, but if you spend 90 seconds thinking about it, he's just a little barking terrier in F1, he always has something to say”Toto Wolff the boss of the Mercedes team about Christian Horner (Red Bull) at the time of the war of words between Max Verstappen and George Russell in Abu Dhabi.
“I can’t think like a fan”, Luca De Meo explaining himself in L'Equipe on the cessation of Alpine's engine activity from 2026 and the fate reserved for the Viry-Châtillon site.
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“I promised Luca de Meo to put together a winning team within three years,” Flavio Britatore speaking at the end of the season on the ambitions of the Alpine team.
“I have a quick question, I'm good to see you here, but where is the British press? They rushed to the airport? Or they don't know where the press conference is taking place. Max Verstappen teases the British press who according to him supports Lando Norris, his main adversary this year in the race for the world crown.
“Our relationship goes well beyond numbers and statistics. It’s a legacy that goes beyond our sport, with a lasting impact beyond the circuit. A legacy that has strived to increase diversity in our sport. He fought for inclusion. Lewis was the catalyst for so much and we were honored and proud to work hand in hand with him. This work will not stop at the end of this year. But it started thanks to the impetus given by Lewis, Toto Wolff on the immense work of Lewis Hamilton who will join Ferrari next season.
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“Yes I did my job, whatever you want but he always pisses me off, every time it happens like this. It's not even about being nice, just respectful. I know I have to keep quiet but at some point, it’s always the same!”Charles Leclerc angry with the attitude of Carlos Sainz at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, believing that his teammate had not respected the racing instructions.
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“I respect France, I measure the importance of your country in the history of motorsport and I know the passion of your fellow citizens for F1, but I cannot do more than say: my door will always be open to you to discuss because F1 and France make sense”Stefano Domenicali, the president of Formula 1 in L'Equipe on a possible return of the discipline to France.
