With the drivers' title already secured and Red Bull out of contention in the Constructors' Championship, Max Verstappen arrives in Abu Dhabi without the usual pressure. However, the controversy that erupted after the Qatar GP continues to dominate the scene, with the Dutchman not sparing any criticism of George Russell, accused of having exaggerated in his conduct during Q3 and of having influenced the stewards to penalise him.
An episode that raises controversy
Verstappen's penalty in Qatar for "driving too slowly and unnecessarily" during a cool-down lap deprived the Dutchman of pole position, giving it to Russell. In the press conference in Abu Dhabi, world champion Max Verstappen gave his version of events, with a tongue-in-cheek but visibly embittered tone:
“Russell was going full speed, like it was the most dangerous situation in the world, but we were all taking a slow ride. I slowed down because I didn’t want to disturb anyone else in the preparation of the ride. I got into trouble trying to stay out of trouble.”
Verstappen then joked about how he could behave in the future, and why not, maybe in Abu Dhabi, the last race of the world championship:
“Maybe next time I’ll just go all out on the home lap and pretend I was hurt by whoever! I don’t want to argue with anyone, but it’s clear that trying to be nice didn’t work.”
Criticisms of the commissioners and reflections on the end of the season
The Dutchman did not hide his disappointment at a penalty he believes was unjustified, underlining how the stewards' decision surprised him:
“I didn’t impede anyone and I don’t understand how they came to that conclusion. It was disappointing to be called out for something I didn’t think was a problem. I’ve always tried to stay out of trouble, but this time I found myself in trouble.”
An increasingly tense relationship with Russell
Tensions with Russell, which already erupted in Qatar, appear far from being resolved. Verstappen, in fact, reiterated that he does not regret the statements he made and that he would do it all again:
“I have no regrets about what I said. Perhaps, knowing how the race went, I would have said even more. I cannot accept behavior like that which I saw in the stewards’ room. Nothing like that has ever happened to me in my career.”
Despite the controversy, Verstappen looks calmly to the Yas Marina race, the last of the championship:
“Winning would be good, but it’s not something that will change our lives. We know what we need to work on for next year and we will use this race to learn.. Even in Qatar, despite a difficult start, we showed that the car can be competitive. Our goal remains the same: to do our best.”
Source statements: FormulaPassion
