Verstappen, Russell wage war of words ahead of F1 finale

Mercedes driver George Russell (GBR) reacts next to winner Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen (NED) after getting third place in the Canadian Grand Prix at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

Max Verstappen, George Russell wage war of words ahead of F1 season finale

By Maximus Polek | Last updated Dec 5, 2024 12:35 PM ET

Cars haven't even hit the track yet, but the Formula 1 season finale in Abu Dhabi has already provided entertainment with an off-track war of words between two of the top drivers.

George Russell and Max Verstappen have been throwing verbal jabs at each other since last week's Qatar Grand Prix, and it has carried over to the season finale.

The Dutchman took pole position in Qatar but was handed a one-place grid penalty after Russell complained to the stewards that Verstappen was driving "unnecessarily slowly on a cool-down lap."

Verstappen won the Grand Prix and took the first shot at Russell, saying he had "lost all respect" for the Mercedes driver.

Russell responded to Verstappen's comments during the media rounds this week, detailing Verstappen's history of incidents with other drivers and calling out his inability to deal with adversity.

George Russell responds to Max Verstappen's comments made about him after the Qatar Grand Prix. pic.twitter.com/NEpAdQ6zwh
— ESPN F1 (@ESPNF1) December 5, 2024

After Russell's comments, while doing his media rounds speaking to Dutch TV, Verstappen accused the Mercedes driver of being "two-faced," acting differently behind closed doors and in front of the media.

"You know what it is? He acts decent in front of the camera here, but when you talk to him personally, he is a different person," Verstappen said. "... I can't stand that. In that case, you can better (expletive) off."

The Red Bull driver went on to add:

Max Verstappen responded to George Russell's comments at media day in Abu Dhabi pic.twitter.com/BUVlGwDkAA
— ESPN F1 (@ESPNF1) December 5, 2024

This war of words has also drawn in other Mercedes and Red Bull team members, with Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff calling his Red Bull counterpart Christian Horner a "yapping little terrier" who always has something to say.

While the 2024 Formula 1 season may be coming to a close this weekend, the feud between Russell and Verstappen will undoubtedly continue for many years to come.

Maximus Polek

Born and raised in the 716 of Buffalo NY, Max Polek had no choice but to grow up being a sports fan. At a young age, sports quickly took over his life and that love and obsession has only grown as he's gotten older. Max's favorite sports to watch and/or discuss with others are soccer, Formula 1, professional wrestling, tennis, NFL football and hockey

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