F1 Azerbaijan GP: “I am here to fight,” George Russell warns Max Verstappen following ‘di**head’ comment

The much-anticipated sprint race in the new format at Baku did not fail to entertain. We saw it all, including strategic errors, safety cars, tight overtakes, and even racing incidents. The main talking point of the sprint after Sergio Perez’s win, however, is the sparks that flew between George Russell and Max Verstappen following a turn three incident.

Russell, who started P4, had a quick getaway compared to Max Verstappen, who started ahead of him. The pair fought hard going through turns 1 and 2, until Russell made a move along turn 3, which led to contact with the sidepods of Verstappen’s RB19. This nearly squeezed him into the barriers, as well as resulted in his car sustaining floor damage for the remainder of the race.

Verstappen was quick and clear in showing his disapproval of Russell’s risky move. When asked about the incident in the post-race interview, he said, “I don’t understand why you need to take so much risk on lap one, understeer into my sidepod, create a hole. We all have cold tyres and it is easy to lock-up. His beautiful way of explaining it… it doesn’t make sense.” , clearly disgruntled with the incident having potentially cost him the sprint victory.

Speaking after the race, Russell retaliated, saying, “I was one the inside, and as a driver you know the risks being on the outside. I am here to fight. I am here to win, and I am not going to hold back because he is leading the world championship.” He has no remorse, is ignorant of the Dutchman’s misfortune, and has made clear his intent to compete at the front. Regardless of Verstappen being the favorite and frontrunner, it is clear that Russell has no sympathy for his endeavors and will not compromise on his own racecraft and instincts in an encounter with the leader.

Following the interviews, the pair were involved in an altercation, where Russell said he had no grip. Verstappen responded furiously by saying, “We all have no grip! We all need to leave a little bit of space…. “Expect next time the same, no? d***head.” .

Related: F1 Azerbaijan GP: “Fast and Furious,” Sergio Perez sarcastically hails Baku Sprint Shootout

George Russell is giving Max Verstappen a taste of his own medicine

George Russell was aggressive with the championship leader today, showing no signs of holding back when making the move. This incident hindered Verstappen for the rest of the sprint, with the Dutchman blaming Russell for his P3 finish. However, Verstappen is no stranger to showing aggression in a championship battle.

Notable incidents where Verstappen has been involved in incidents on track with a championship favorite can be highlighted from the 2021 and 2022 seasons. At the Italian Grand Prix 2021, the Dutchman made a risky move on Lewis Hamilton going into the chicane, pushing both drivers onto the gravel and Verstappen’s tire on Hamilton’s halo. Both drivers were forced to retire consequently.

Another instance of a harsh incident can be referenced to the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix of 2021. In a desperate attempt to keep the leading in the dying laps, Verstappen seemingly brake-checked Hamilton, causing minor damage to his front wing. He was penalized as a consequence, and Hamilton emerged victorious. The Brazilian GP of 2022, too, had a spicy encounter between the two, with Verstappen colliding with Hamilton, after which he sustained a 5-second penalty.

George Russell might be taking inspiration from Max Verstappen, showing no fear when fighting a championship leader. He is unapologetic and is ready to do what it takes to help him succeed, with no sympathy for his rival. It is Verstappen’s fearlessness that has characterized him throughout his career, and Russell took a page out of his book today while fighting him. Needless to say, Verstappen is now a victim of the harsh treatment he used to subject Lewis Hamilton to in the past.

In case you missed it:

• F1 Azerbaijan GP: “Biggest cry baby ever”- Fans enraged as ‘hypocrate’ Max Verstappen calls George Russell a ‘d**khead’
• F1 Azerbaijan GP – WATCH: “Tell Max it’s a motor race” Fans react to furious Max Verstappen’s radio outburst on George Russell

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