In the first-ever sprint shootout of the season, Max Verstappen had a disappointing run by his standards. Setting himself up for P3 in the sprint, things were bound to get tough for him, and so they did. And who was there to make things tough? George Russell, an emerging rival from his nemesis team, Mercedes, is set to establish the next-gen rivalry between the two as Lewis Hamilton has taken a step back on it. Thus the rivalry revival is on the tracks! 

Repeating the history from the past few years and carrying on the tradition between Max and Mercedes drivers, the younger British driver of the two pushed Max to the brim. On the opening lap and in turn 1, Russell’s Mercedes dealt a blow to Verstappen’s RB19, whose sidepod was damaged. What happened later was the usual stuff between the two rivals. A heated exchange of words took place, where Max said, “Apparently it’s hard for them (Mercedes) not to touch a Red Bull,” which reportedly ended with Max calling Russell a “d**khead”.

In the conversation that came out after the sprint, Max was criticized for his aggression and “hypocrisy”. But the Orange Army wasn’t far behind as it came to rescue their beloved driver, who was ridiculed by the pumped-up Mercedes and George Russell fans.

Fans back Max Verstappen as George Russell spoils the party

Max Verstappen’s sarcastic jibe was the one that made his fans jump off of their seats. For many, after his unsatisfactory P3 result, the hit back at Mercedes was necessary as for the Silverstone-based outfit, “old habits die hard.”

READ MORE: “I Don’t Understand Why…”: Max Verstappen Rejects George Russell’s “Beautiful” Explanation With a Scathing Remark

Max Verstappen was absolutely ruthless in his driving after coming together with Mercedes. The jibe just went on to further prove that he isn’t taking any challenge coming from the Silver Arrows lightly, no matter the difference in the prowess of their machinery.

The rivalry appears to be brewing at a high temperature. With Mercedes of Lewis Hamilton behind in the third row, action between the two arch-nemeses can be expected on Sunday in Baku.

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The comments between the two sides formed a great part of the iconic 2021 season. Will they return to bring back the golden entertainment for the fans? Let’s wait and find out.