Max Verstappen and George Russell in tense exchange after Australian Grand Prix…….. read more
Max Verstappen and George Russell had an awkward exchange after the Australian Grand Prix, with both drivers securing podium finishes at the season opener in Melbourne. Verstappen, representing Red Bull, won the race, while Russell, driving for Mercedes, finished in third. The two drivers, however, were involved in a tense moment that seemed to carry on beyond the race weekend.
Russell accused Verstappen of “bullying” him, and claimed that Verstappen made an explicit threat in the stewards’ room, something that Verstappen strongly denied. This disagreement has added fuel to the ongoing tension between the two drivers, which looks set to continue into the 2025 season. In a recent conversation, both drivers admitted they haven’t spoken since the end of the 2024 season, suggesting unresolved issues between them.
At the Australian Grand Prix, both Verstappen and Russell put in impressive performances. Verstappen dominated the race and secured his victory, while Russell managed to finish in third place. Mercedes also had a solid outing, with Russell’s 18-year-old rookie teammate, Kimi Antonelli, finishing fifth. This performance helped Mercedes rank as the second-best constructor behind Red Bull.
However, the mood in the cooldown room after the race was notably uncomfortable. With the podium finishers required to sit together and watch the race highlights, the tension between Russell and Verstappen was palpable. Race winner Lando Norris engaged in casual conversation with Verstappen, while Russell appeared somewhat isolated, trying to join the discussion but finding it difficult to connect with either driver. Russell and Verstappen hardly made eye contact, which underscored the ongoing rivalry between the two.
During post-race interviews, Verstappen was asked whether the tension between him and Russell had been addressed. He responded humorously, stating, “It’s shockingly bad,” before quickly adding, “it’s all good,” to downplay the situation. However, his response did little to dispel the sense that the rivalry remains unresolved.
The uneasy atmosphere between Verstappen and Russell is not an isolated incident but part of a broader rivalry that has developed over the course of the 2024 season. Despite both drivers’ talent and their respective team’s success, their interactions off the track seem to suggest personal tensions that have yet to be fully addressed. As the 2025 season approaches, it’s clear that the drama between the two drivers is far from over.
