Verstappen hits out at Russell: “He can fuck off”

Max Verstappen has claimed he has lost respect for George Russell after the qualifying incident in Qatar on Saturday.

Verstappen was given a one-place grid penalty for the Qatar Grand Prix after being accused of driving too slowly in the third quarter and Russell was forced to take evasive action as he approached the rear of the Red Bull.

The penalty saw the duo swap positions on the front row, with Russell taking the top spot on the grid.

However, it was Verstappen who prevailed in the race, overtaking Russell in the first corner and controlling the race, which was heavily disrupted by various safety cars.

After the Grand Prix, Verstappen commented on Russell’s actions in the steward’s room on Saturday evening.

“I have a lot of respect for a lot of drivers, but after last night I completely lost that respect for him,” said Verstappen Viaplay.

“I just thought it was ridiculous how he tried to force a penalty on me. And I was really mad at him for that.’”

Verstappen also accused the Mercedes driver of duplicity and emphasized that he was a “different person” when he was in front of the camera.

“He always does really well here in front of the camera, but when you’re with him in person, he’s just a different person,” he added.

“I can’t stand this and it’s actually better for him to fuck off. I don’t want to get involved.”