George Russell Slams Max Verstappen’s “Dangerous Character” in Explosive Interview

By F1 Insider

In a fiery interview with BBC Radio 5 Live, Mercedes star George Russell has unleashed a scathing critique of four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen, accusing the Red Bull driver of a “dangerous character” on the track. Russell made it clear that his dislike for competing against Verstappen isn’t about being outpaced but stems from the Dutchman’s aggressive and risky driving tactics.

The comments follow a dramatic collision between the two at the Spanish Grand Prix on June 1, 2025, where Verstappen was slapped with a 10-second penalty and three penalty points for deliberately hitting Russell at Turn 5. The incident, which saw Verstappen drop from fifth to tenth, was labeled “totally unnecessary” by Russell, who felt the move was intentional. Verstappen later took to Instagram, admitting the maneuver “was not right” and citing frustration over Red Bull’s tire strategy and earlier race chaos.

This isn’t the first time the pair have clashed. Their rivalry flared at the 2024 Qatar Grand Prix, where Russell accused Verstappen of threatening to “put me on my f***ing head in the wall” during a tense stewards’ meeting. Verstappen denied the exact words but didn’t hold back, branding Russell a “loser” and “backstabber.” The bad blood has only thickened since.

“I’m not going to stand there and be bullied,” Russell told the BBC. “People always seem to back down to him, but that’s not how I operate.” He ruled out any chance of mending fences, bluntly stating, “We’re not going to be best mates, that’s for sure.”

The Spanish Grand Prix incident has pushed Verstappen to the edge of a race ban, with 11 penalty points on his super license—just one short of an automatic suspension. Former champion Nico Rosberg argued Verstappen deserved a black flag for the collision, a view Russell didn’t fully endorse but noted could apply if intent was proven.

Red Bull’s Christian Horner defended his driver, pointing to strategic missteps and unclear FIA guidance as the root of Verstappen’s frustration. Meanwhile, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff called the clash marginal but costly for Red Bull’s podium hopes.

Russell’s outspokenness has divided the F1 paddock. Some applaud his defiance against Verstappen’s dominance, while others, like Formula E’s Dan Ticktum, took issue with Russell’s apparent jab at a “British driver in Formula E.” As McLaren surges in the 2025 title race, Verstappen’s championship defense faces mounting pressure, and this feud shows no signs of cooling.

With both drivers unyielding, Russell remains focused on his own performance. “What happened last year is done,” he said. “I’m here to focus on myself.” As the season rolls on, the F1 world awaits the next chapter in this heated rivalry, with the potential for more on-track fireworks looming large.

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