After the Qatar Grand Prix, the Dutchman returned to his penalty obtained the day before in qualifying and to the role played by George Russell, who insisted before the stewards that he be sanctioned.
War is declared between Max Verstappen and George Russell! The Dutchman did not at all appreciate the behavior of his British counterpart after qualifying. While the Red Bull driver had set the best time in qualifying ahead of the Mercedes protégé, the two men were summoned before the commissioners to explain Verstappen's interference with Russell during Q3.
The Briton, who was only on a preparation lap, was at high speed at the start of his last attempt. Having failed 0.055s behind the world champion, George Russell finally reclaimed pole position after Verstappen was given a one-place grid penalty for his maneuver.
“I lost all my respect for him”
The four-time defending champion spoke of a “ridiculous” sanction before the race, which he quickly erased by taking the lead at the first corner in front of Russell. Winner of the Qatar Grand Prix, Max Verstappen took his revenge on the Briton, whom he lit up on Viaplay's microphone.
“The way he behaved is completely ridiculous. I have respect for all drivers, but I lost it on him. I found it ridiculous how much he wanted me to be penalized. I I was pretty upset with him about that. You know how he is? 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.”
The atmosphere reigns in the paddock!
Photo credit – Red Bull Content Pool
