via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Azerbaijan Grand Prix – Baku City Circuit, Baku, Azerbaijan – June 12, 2022 Red Bull’s Max Verstappen celebrates on the podium after winning the race alongside third place Mercedes’ George Russell REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger
via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Azerbaijan Grand Prix – Baku City Circuit, Baku, Azerbaijan – June 12, 2022 Red Bull’s Max Verstappen celebrates on the podium after winning the race alongside third place Mercedes’ George Russell REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger
In a sport as fiercely competitive as Formula 1, emotions can run high. Amid the turbocharged machinery and state-of-the-art technology, the true engines of this sport – the drivers – display their raw human emotions. After the 2023 Baku sprint race, the atmosphere was charged with tension. Max Verstappen, Red Bull’s prodigious champ, didn’t mince his words when he confronted George Russell of Mercedes, hurling the term “d**khead” at him.
Verstappen expressed his discontent over a collision that led to sidepod damage on his car. In response, Russell was unyielding, explaining that the tires were cold and the incident occurred on the opening lap. However, Formula 1 has often shown us that the fiercest rivalries on the track can be contrasted with an amiable off-track accord. The latest evidence? George Russell’s recent Instagram story.
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Despite their heated exchange, the story showcases a picture taken from Alex Albon’s post, revealing Russell, Albon, Lando Norris, and even Verstappen himself playing paddle as a group. The story’s caption, “warming up for Monza,” indicates a light-hearted moment among competitors and highlights the unique brotherhood these racers share. It’s a testament to the unwritten code of respect among drivers; what happens on the track stays on the track. It’s moments like these that remind us that while the competition is fierce, mutual respect still holds sway.
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As the temple of speed promises high-octane action on the tarmac, an equally compelling narrative unfolds off the track. While Verstappen looks to break records again, the absence of his fellow Dutchman from the grid has struck a chord with key figures in the Mercedes garage. Transitioning from on-track prowess to behind-the-scenes drama, let’s delve deeper into the story of Nyck de Vries’ unexpected omission from the AlphaTauri lineup and the reactions it spurred.
Red Bull Decision sparks sympathy for De Vries from George Russell and Toto Wolff
George Russell and Toto Wolff have voiced their support for Nyck de Vries following his snub from the AlphaTauri team. The Dutch racer began this year on the grid for AlphaTauri but was ruthlessly dismissed by Red Bull after a tough spell of 10 races without accruing any points.
via Imago
Formula 1 2023: British GP SILVERSTONE CIRCUIT, UNITED KINGDOM – JULY 09: Nyck de Vries, Scuderia AlphaTauri on the grid during the British GP at Silverstone Circuit on Sunday July 09, 2023 in Northamptonshire, United Kingdom. Photo by Simon Galloway / LAT Images Images EDITORIAL USE ONLY GP2310_131920DSC_3695
De Vries, who previously carried Mercedes’ junior title, was seen in the team’s garage over the Dutch GP weekend, leading to speculations. Addressing the situation, as per Mirror.co.uk, team boss Wolff expressed his disappointment, “He’s a champion in both F3 and F2. That showcases immense potential, and sadly, he never got the platform to display that in F1.”
Mercedes’ George Russell echoed similar sentiments. Taking a subtle dig at Red Bull‘s impetuous decision-making, he remarked, “I wouldn’t have foreseen such a move from any other team on the grid.” Russell further added, “It’s challenging to find your footing, especially if the environment doesn’t foster confidence. De Vries, in my eyes, is undoubtedly F1 material but was deprived of the chance he rightfully earned.”
Red Bull’s audacious moves have always made headlines, and this decision is no different. The Formula 1 community will wonder what could have been if De Vries had been given another shot at his home, the Dutch Grand Prix.
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