Max Verstappen – George Russell, signs of peace: “We talked after Abu Dhabi, next year everything will be fine”. Max Verstappen revealed a behind-the-scenes moment regarding his relationship with George Russell.

Qatar Aftermath
The lead-up to the season’s final grand prix in Abu Dhabi was marked by verbal clashes between Max Verstappen and George Russell over what happened before the stewards in Qatar. The Mercedes driver had vocally demanded – and obtained – a penalty for his Red Bull counterpart, a move that greatly displeased Verstappen, who accused Russell of being two-faced in comments to the media.

Attempts at easing tensions between the two had failed, including during the traditional drivers’ dinner, where Russell, arriving among the last, moved his chair elsewhere to avoid sitting near his colleagues. Similarly, the year-end photo of the drivers’ association, where the two were positioned next to each other, was not a sign of reconciliation but rather a request by president Alex Wurz.

Peace in Sight
Speaking on the “Sport & Talk from Hangar 7” program on Servus TV, Max Verstappen revealed a behind-the-scenes moment regarding his relationship with George Russell: “We spoke briefly after Abu Dhabi. It’s all fine. We’ll start fresh next year, and everything will be good.”