The streets of Baku have never been a dull spectacle, and this time was no exception. The 17-lap sprint race may have lacked on-track action, but it more than made up for it in off-track drama. In a clash of the titans, Red Bull and Mercedes drivers collided, sending shockwaves through the racing world. However, it was the aftermath of the race that truly left tongues wagging. Max Verstappen and George Russell, two of the sport’s most talented drivers, engaged in a heated war of words that lasted long after the checkered flag had been waved.
Verstappen, incensed by the damage done to his sidepod, issued a stern warning to Russell, calling him a “d**khead.” Russell, however, was not one to back down, defending his actions by citing cold tires on the opening lap. But now, he has launched an attack on Max, expressing that he expects better from him than what we witnessed in Azerbaijan. Who knew that a seemingly simple sprint race in Baku could cause such a storm?
Now, after the race, Russell reflected back on the conversation with Max. And understandably, unlike Max, he holds a different view of the situation, as he believes the Dutchman let himself down. As quoted by Speed Cafe, the Briton said, “No, I don’t need an apology at all. He’s a two-time champion, leading the championship again at the moment. It doesn’t bother me, but he probably lets himself down a little bit with those sorts of comments. Max is a super-good guy, a great, great driver. But words like that are a bit unnecessary.”
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This statement comes much after Max had already expressed his anger. However, seeing the maturity in the statement, George surely tried to calm things down and move on.
Endless comments exchanged between George Russell and Max Verstappen
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The war of words between the two drivers seems to have been the only highlight of the weekend in Baku. And since their little meet-up after the race, so many comments have been exchanged back and forth that it is honestly getting hard to keep track of.
While Max first had an X-rated row with the Briton, later he also quipped as quoted by the Express, “It’s not allowed because Princess George is there? That’s ultimately his problem!,” George expressed his shock over the aggressive defense from Verstappen. Later on, the tone from the Red Bull garage shifted to a lighter note as criticism for the live fight mounted.
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What do you make of the fight? Has it come to an end? Or will there be an element of surprise? Let us know in the comments below.