© Jiri Krenek for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd.
Max Verstappen says George Russell “does it very nicely here in front of the camera, but then when you’re inside [with the stewards] with him in person, it’s just a different person”.
Max Verstappen received a one-place grid penalty after Qatar Grand Prix Qualifying, for impeding George Russell on a warm-up lap.
While talking to Viaplay, Verstappen blasted the Briton for his alleged conduct while they were both talking to the stewards after the incident.
“I have a lot of respect for a lot of drivers, but after last night I completely lost that respect for him,” the Dutch driver said.
“I just thought it was ridiculous how he tried to force a penalty on me. And I was heavily pissed at him for that.
“He always does it very nicely here in front of the camera, but then when you’re inside with him in person, it’s just a different person.
“I can’t stand that and it’s actually better for him to f**k off. I don’t want to get involved in this.”
Later, at the post-race press conference, Verstappen elaborated further.
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“It wasn’t very enjoyable to see that happen. The thing is being nice, everything is more or less decided, I didn’t want to screw anyone over and by doing that, being nice, you get a penalty.
“That’s what I tried to explain but it felt like talking to a brick wall. I spoke about valid reasons. I didn’t want to cause a scene into that last corner… Very surprising.
“I was quite surprised with what was going on… Very disappointing. And I’ve been in that meeting room many times in my life with people I’ve raced… And I’ve never seen someone trying to screw someone over that hard.
“I lost all respect,” he concluded.
George Russell, on the other hand, said he expected a crash with Verstappen at the start of the race.
“To be honest I was expecting a crash, but ultimately we made it easy for him because both Lewis and I made a terrible start,” the Briton said.
“It was a pretty simple overtake for him which was a bit frustrating for us,” Russell concluded.
