Tensions between Max Verstappen and George Russell, culminating in a verbal confrontation during the Abu Dhabi GP weekend, seem to have finally calmed down. The Dutch world champion himself confirmed this, revealing that he had a brief conversation with Russell at the end of the Abu Dhabi GP, closing a chapter of misunderstandings that had characterized the last weeks of the season.
The origin of the dispute: the Qatar GP
The episode that lit the fuse between the two occurred during the qualifying weekend in Qatar, when Russell insistently asked for a penalty for Verstappen, accusing him of breaking the rules on the track. The stewards' decision to penalize the Red Bull driver fueled Verstappen's frustration, who did not hesitate to call Russell's behavior "two-faced" during subsequent meetings with the media.
Tensions continued until the Abu Dhabi GP, where, despite attempts to calm things down, the two failed to find common ground. During the traditional drivers' dinner, Russell allegedly avoided sitting next to Verstappen, moving his chair, a gesture that further fueled the bad feelings.
The meeting after the race in Abu Dhabi
A brief exchange between the two after the Abu Dhabi race put an end to the dispute. Speaking on ServusTV, Verstappen said: “We spoke briefly after the race. Everything is fine. We will start again next year, and everything will be fine.”
When asked if the winter break could help calm things down further, the Dutchman replied with a smile: “I think it will be good for everyone.”
New Beginnings for 2025
With the championship now behind him, Verstappen is preparing for a 2025 full of challenges, both personal and professional. Alongside the pursuit of his fifth world title, the Dutchman will have to face a new personal adventure with the arrival of his first child, expected next year.
Joking about the idea of a future in motorsport for the child, Verstappen said: “I will not buy a go-kart, the simulator will be enough! But we will see, I cannot say now. There is time to think about it.”
Winter will offer both drivers the chance to recharge their batteries and leave the tensions behind. Verstappen, strong of his fourth world title, looks to the future with optimism, while Russell will have the task of accompanying his new teammate, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, on his debut with Mercedes.
Source statements: FormulaPassion
