George Russell declared war on Max Verstappen: the incredible Abu Dhabi backstory. A never-before-told story from Abu Dhabi.

One of the most intriguing clashes in the final part of the 2024 season involved Max Verstappen and George Russell. The two drivers have never been the closest of allies, and their “feud” intensified following a series of incidents and misunderstandings in which both played key roles.

Baku 2023: where it all began?

One of the earliest sparks for the Russell-Verstappen rivalry occurred during the Sprint Race at the 2023 Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku. In the opening laps, the Mercedes driver George Russell attempted a daring overtake on Verstappen’s Red Bull #1. The tight confines of the Baku circuit left little room for error, and the contact severely damaged the RB19, causing the reigning world champion to lose significant time.

Verstappen did not hold back, and the moment he climbed out of his car, he confronted Russell, expressing his frustration in a rather pointed manner.

Qatar 2024: the war erupts

However, it was last year in Qatar that the real war between Russell and Max Verstappen broke out. After receiving a penalty for impeding George Russell, Verstappen exploded in anger and swore revenge. Some reports even claim that he threatened the English driver, vowing to take him out at Turn 1. What is clear now is that the relationship between the two drivers was far from amicable.

The Abu Dhabi revelation

A previously untold backstory emerges in Ted Kravitz’s book Notes from the Pit Lane, detailing what happened in Abu Dhabi. The journalist recounts that, upon arriving at the interview area, George Russell requested to be asked a question specifically about Max Verstappen. He reportedly said, “Why? I intend to respond to Max. I’ve had enough of his criticism of the media and I want to call out all his intimidation tactics. I am determined to address everything openly.”

This episode highlights the intensity of the rivalry and the competitive fire driving both drivers, providing fans with a rare glimpse into the psychological battles that unfold off-track, shaping the narratives of Formula 1 seasons and the personal dynamics behind the wheel.