The unexpected beef between Max Verstappen and George Russell came at the last moment in the 2024 season. It all happened during the Qatar Grand Prix qualifying, as Max Verstappen got the pole position and was on his slow-down lap. Russell who is second went for one last try but quickly found Verstappen on his way.
Russell was brave enough to evade a massive incident and qualified second. The British driver felt evading Max cost him a few milliseconds and claimed that it was the reason he finished second. He even raised the issue with stewards and called Verstappen’s act intentional. Hearing this Max became angry and had a heated argument with George outside the stewards room.
After winning the main race by beating George, Max Verstappen slammed the British driver during the press meet and called him double-faced. The Mercedes driver was quick to give it back at the pre-race event in Abu Dhabi GP, saying Verstappen abused and bullied him outside the steward's room and even threatened to crash intentionally during the race.
The other drivers even attempted to cool things down at the driver's dinner meet but George Russell was not ready to sit beside the Dutch driver and went far away lifting his chair and sitting with his 2024 teammate Lewis Hamilton. After the season, Max Verstappen said everything would be settled and all it needs is some time to cool down.
WATCH: George Russell on Beef with Verstappen
But the dust hasn't settled yet, as during the F1 75 event George Russell was asked about his beef with Max Verstappen. The Mercedes driver was quick to respond to the question and said “No, we haven't spoken, I’ve got no intentions, to be honest. It’s not even something I’m thinking about. You’ve got to focus on your job. And some things we were out of line last year. We are not going to be back as the best mates. That is for sure.”
Even during the driver's press meet before the event, Russell replied the same in a different way. Russell said “No I haven't spoken to Max. No concerns about him or his driving or anything. It’s that happened last year and I want to focus on myself. It’s 2025 and now I’m focused on my goals and it is to win. I’m not going to change my approach, Fighting him and fighting other drivers are all the same. We’ll see when we get to Melbourne.”
Max Verstappen talked about a feud with Russell and said he has no beef with anyone and is concentrated on himself. The two drivers were very close mates until last year before the Qatar event. They go regularly to play pickleball with other drivers like Lando Norris, Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc. The 2025 season starts with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 14.
Also Read: George Russell reveals getting tons of Dutch emails after 'word war' with Verstappen
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