George Russell ‘pretty clear’ on Max Verstappen stance ahead of new F1 season

George Russell has not spoken to Max Verstappen since their explosive row at last season’s final round in Abu Dhabi.

Russell said Verstappen vowed to put him “on his f****** head in the wall” – calling the Dutch driver a “bully” and adding that his comments were “unacceptable”.

Verstappen, who secured his fourth consecutive world championship last season, did not apologise, instead branding Russell a “backstabber” and “loser”.

Asked if he had cleared the air with Verstappen since the concluding race on December 8, Russell said: “No, I haven’t spoken (to him).

“I have no concerns about him or his driving – that happened last year and I want to focus on myself. But obviously things got out of line at the end of last year, and I made it pretty clear that I’m not going to take it.

“But now it’s 2025 and I’m focused on the job and the job is to win. So I’m not going to change my approach, fighting him, or fighting any other drivers. The goal is the same.”

Since the conclusion of last season, F1 drivers have been told they could be hit by race bans of extortionate fines for repeated swearing or criticism of the sport’s governing body.

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