Max Verstappen is less aggressive in 2023 than he has ever been throughout his career, claims George Russell

The Dutchman is characterized by being ruthless and aggressive, as they are traits that have built his career

George Russell and Max Verstappen (Credits: The Independent)

Championship dominator Max Verstappen has built a career out of pure aggression on track and risky, daredevil moves. He is characterized by it. He is known for being ruthless and fearless. However, George Russell of Mercedes believes that despite his utter supremacy this year, the Dutchman is less aggressive than he’s ever been throughout his racing career.

In an interview with Autosport.com, Russell said, “I think we all know each other pretty well, we know each other’s driving styles, we know the risks one another take. I first raced against Max and Charles, and Esteban [Ocon] actually, in 2011. But, equally, when you’re battling for a championship you fight slightly differently and equally now Max is probably less aggressive than he’s ever been in the past, because he’s not in a position that he needs to be aggressive.”

George Russell believes that Verstappen’s confidence in his ability to win regardless of the circumstance is a contributing factor. He added, “We know each other and probably that does contribute towards how we race one another. And he can lose a position and know that he’ll get it back later down the line.”

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Verstappen holds a 53-point lead at the top of the standings, and currently, that lead has never been overcome in F1 history. This statistic already seems to give the Dutchman one hand on the trophy, but F1 is an unpredictable sport, with two-thirds of the season yet to unfold.

Max Verstappen and George Russell were involved in a heated altercation earlier in the season

George Russell and Max Verstappen's altercation, (Credits: Motorsport.com) — George Russell and Max Verstappen’s altercation (Credits: Motorsport.com)

The Baku sprint race during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix was dominated by the intense confrontation between George Russell and Max Verstappen, sparked by an incident at turn three. Russell, starting from P4, made a swift start, gaining an advantage over Verstappen, who began ahead of him. The two drivers engaged in a fierce battle through turns 1 and 2.

However, as Russell attempted a maneuver at turn 3, their cars made contact, causing damage to the sidepods of Verstappen’s RB19. The collision nearly pushed him into the barriers and left his car with a damaged sidepod floor for the remainder of the race. Verstappen managed to overtake him but remained outraged at the move.

Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert reckons that George Russell and Lando Norris could provide a fight to Max Verstappen with the right cars.#F1 pic.twitter.com/KidRx8q7u3
— FirstSportz F1 (@FirstsportzF1) April 12, 2023

George Russell vented his grievances after the sprint race, claiming his lack of grip led to the contact. However, Max Verstappen dismissed Russell’s reasoning and emphasized the need for all drivers to leave some space. Verstappen bluntly remarked that they all struggle with grip on cold tires, calling the Briton a ‘d***head’.

Russell later responded by re-emphasizing his intent to compete and that he wasn’t going to compromise on his principles because he was fighting the quicker championship leader Verstappen. This was a hint of Verstappen’s aggressive side, which he exhibited vehemently in the past, but he has begun displaying more maturity as he gains more experience in his F1 career.