Max Verstappen – George Russell, tension at London event: are there still strained nerves between them?. The tension between Verstappen and Russell is still strong.

Throughout its history, Formula 1 has seen many rivalries—Lauda-Hunt, Senna-Prost, Schumacher-Häkkinen, Vettel–Alonso. Last season, alongside his title fight with Norris, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen also ignited another rivalry with Russell, which doesn’t seem to have settled. During last night’s event, where the 2025 liveries were unveiled, there were several remarks on the subject.

Verstappen, as we know, doesn’t hold back. If he’s wronged, he returns the favor as soon as possible. What makes him unique is that he doesn’t care who’s in front of him—whoever caused him trouble must pay, one way or another.

Over the course of his career, especially due to his aggressive approach in the early years, he has made plenty of enemies. But now, in 2025, after winning four world titles, the situation remains largely the same. He has found a new rival, both on and off the track, in George Russell.

His rivalry with the Mercedes driver began in 2023 in Baku when, during a battle in the opening laps, a collision between their cars damaged the number 1 Red Bull. On that occasion, Max Verstappen lost the lead to his teammate Sergio Perez.

More recently, they clashed again in Qatar. During Saturday’s qualifying for the race grid, Russell was “blocked” by the Red Bull driver during his fast lap. This led him to complain over the radio, prompting the stewards to penalize Max Verstappen, dropping him one place.

This infuriated Verstappen, who then declared war on Russell. “In Turn 1, you’re not coming out first…” Max said in interviews, referring to the British driver. And so it was—at the start, Verstappen braked at the absolute limit, forcing his rival to yield. But the tension between them appears to remain.

At last night’s event, where the new season’s liveries were unveiled, the presenter pointed out that the two were seated at separate tables and made a joke about it. Seeing the inevitable boredom in the world champion’s eyes, he quipped: “Come on, Max, it could’ve been worse—you could’ve been sitting next to George.”

“Did you guys kiss and make up? Have you reconciled? I love their rivalry.” With those words, they managed to get a half-smile out of Verstappen, who was visibly annoyed by the entire situation.