Verstappen Slams Russell as 'Backstabber' in Heated F1 Feud
Max Verstappen has strongly responded to George Russell's recent comments, escalating their ongoing dispute following the Qatar qualifying incident.
The conflict began when Russell approached stewards about a potential penalty for Verstappen last weekend. Verstappen expressed losing respect for Russell's actions, leading to further disagreements between the drivers.
Russell claimed Verstappen threatened to put him "in the wall," which Verstappen firmly denied, stating Russell was "exaggerating." The Red Bull driver criticized Russell's behavior, particularly his tendency to challenge officials while maintaining a friendly facade in person.
"He's a backstabber," Verstappen said. "The way he brings up nonsense — he's just a loser. He lies and cobbles things together that don't add up."
Racing driver gives trackside interview
The dispute intensified when Russell referenced the controversial 2021 championship, suggesting Verstappen had been "enabled" since Hamilton last challenged him. Verstappen dismissed these claims, highlighting Red Bull's recent success and their recruitment of Mercedes personnel for their engine program.
"It's tough for them, especially since we've poached many people from Mercedes," Verstappen noted. "That causes frustration. But we're having the last laugh because we won the race last week."
The tensions remain high as both drivers prepare for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with neither showing signs of backing down from their positions.
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