It all dates back to Saturday in Lusail. After the Qatar GP qualifying session, both Max Verstappen and George Russell were summoned by the stewards to discuss a potential impeding incident involving the Dutchman against the Briton during a lap in which neither was pushing.
After hearing both drivers, the race officials decided to penalize the Red Bull driver with a one-place grid drop. As a result, Max Verstappen started from second position but still went on to secure victory in the penultimate race of the year.
The stewards’ decision puzzled many observers, as grid penalties are usually at least three positions. Max Verstappen himself had called it “strange” to be summoned by the stewards for an incident not involving a push lap.
Max Verstappen’s outburst
At the conclusion of the Qatar GP, which he won, Max Verstappen expressed strong words against George Russell. “I’ve been to the stewards many times in my career, but I’ve never seen anyone raise their voice as much as he did. After what happened, I’d say he’s lost all my respect.”
“In front of the cameras, he always acts like a decent person, but when you sit across from him, it’s completely different,” Max Verstappen added. “I can’t accept this behavior and don’t want anything to do with him.”
According to some reports, Max Verstappen also confronted George Russell during the drivers’ parade, complaining about the Briton’s behavior.
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