Max Verstappen got engaged in a tense argument with George Russell after the latter knocked him at turn 2 in Baku. After the sprint race ended, Verstappen quickly went to have a word with Russell, and it didn’t look pleasant. Even after that, the two are in a war of words in front of the media.
Verstappen now feels that the risky move made by Russell wasn’t even worth it. He believes there was not even a reward for such a move, as the Red Bull star claims he would have caught Russell in no time.
“You just have to picture yourself. They are off the pace, and to risk that much on lap one, I think it’s not very rewarding anyway because I would get him anyway within a few laps,” said Verstappen to SkySports.
“If the roles were reversed, I’m sure he would have done exactly the same” 🤷♂️
George Russell reflects on the incident between himself and Max Verstappen 👇 pic.twitter.com/ZWOgH92yXt
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) April 29, 2023
George Russell should own it, says Max Verstappen
Verstappen is clear in his blame on Russell. However, what annoys the Dutchman the most is that the Mercedes star has reasoned ‘cold tires’ for the dent he gave. For the two-time world champion, it’s not right.
Verstappen further said to SkySports that Russell should own his behavior and not find external influences as an excuse. The Red Bull star said even he had cold tires like Russell but didn’t collide with anyone and kept his control.
“I thought I was fair in Turn 2” 🤷♂️
Max Verstappen reflects on his incident with George Russell 👇 pic.twitter.com/1UVJnm3Ot6
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) April 29, 2023
In the end, Verstappen accepted that these things happen and all are part of the learning curve. He even confessed that he used to make such mistakes in the early phase of his career.
Mercedes star surprised by Verstappen
While Verstappen went full ballistic on it, Russell also kept his stance assertively. According to the Mercedes star, he had the position, and his rival should have left the fight over there.
In fact, he is surprised that Verstappen kept pushing for it. Moreover, he also thought that after the race, the current world champion came to him to say ‘good-fight’, but he was amazed to receive such aggressive words.
George Russell reflects on the opening lap with Verstappen 😅#AzerbaijanGP #F1Sprint pic.twitter.com/ar7jEZTBvX
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 29, 2023
In the end, Verstappen was at the receiving end. Christian Horner said the RB-19, driven by the Verstappen, almost lost eight-tenths of a second.
