F1 Pundit Slams Max Verstappen for ‘Telling Tales’ on George Russell at Miami GP

Formula 1 presenter Martin Brundle hit out at Max Verstappen for reporting George Russell at the Miami GP for allegedly failing to slow down under yellow flag conditions.

F1 Pundit Slams Max Verstappen for ‘Telling Tales’ on George Russell at Miami GP

George Russell and Max Verstappen (image via Red Bull)

Max Verstappen is a controversial figure in Formula 1. The reigning world champion has never been afraid of speaking in his mind. It is thus not unusual to see Verstappen raising his voice on the radio when he thinks a driver should be penalized. However, F1 presenter Martin Brundle is not happy with this approach of the Dutch driver.

During the Miami GP, Max Verstappen was unlucky with a late Virtual Safety Car. The four-time world champion fell to fourth place, behind Mercedes’ George Russell. The Red Bull star soon told the pit wall that Russell might not have lifted during the VSC, insisting that the team reported it to the stewards. If true, George Russell would’ve received a penalty, and Verstappen would’ve gotten back third place.

Brundle acknowledged that Russell was kept on his toes by Verstappen throughout the latter stages of the race. Though, the F1 pundit took a subtle jibe at the reigning world champion for ‘telling tales’ on Russell as if the two were classmates in school. Red Bull has lodged a protest over the incident to the FIA. Though, race control decided not to hand Russell a penalty. The protest had further sparked controversy in the paddock with many believing that Red Bull was trying too hard.

Russell had benefited from also pitting on lap 29 under the VSC and moving up to third place, but Max Verstappen kept him very honest throughout the closing phases, even telling tales out of school that George hadn’t lifted the throttle when passing a yellow flag.

Martin Brundle wrote for Sky F1

Martin Brundle applauds George Russell for tough Miami GP

George Russell was having a difficult weekend in Miami. The British driver was trying to get the best result possible for the Silver Arrows while not being fully fit. After the race, Russell had confessed that he was suffering from terrible pain in his stomach which made it much harder to drive.

George Russell
George Russell (via Motorsport Total)

Martin Brundle was full of praise for the Mercedes driver. He pointed out that George Russell managed to stay focused and get everything right on track. Brundle further pointed out that Russell was in a painful stage due to his stomach in the ending stages of the race.

Russell had been struggling through the event, seemingly missing a couple of tenths of pace, but he kept his head, car, and tyres together with solid momentum along with a well-timed one and only pit stop to secure yet another podium. What nearly let him down was his stomach, with some painful cramping in the final 15 laps.

Martin Brundle added

George Russell would certainly get a morale boost from the Miami GP. Managing to race in Formula 1 while being in pain is not easy, especially when you’re defending yourself against Max Verstappen. However, the Mercedes star has proved yet again that he has what it takes to fight at the front in F1.

Russell is in a tough spot for the upcoming season. His Mercedes contract runs out at the end of this year, with the Silver Arrows yet to offer him an extension. It is widely speculated that Toto Wolff is waiting for Max Verstappen to decide on his future before making a driver call at Brackley. Albeit, there have been rumors that George Russell has already started talks with Red Bull for such a possibility. The British driver knows that he needs to maximize every opportunity he gets to ensure that his future in the sport remains secure.

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