WATCH: “Did you brake test him?” – Max Verstappen takes a dig at George Russell over Australian GP incident with Fernando Alonso

George Russell and Fernando Alonso coincidentally met at a coffee shop after the controversial incident at the Australian GP.

WATCH: “Did you brake test him?” – Max Verstappen takes a dig at George Russell over Australian GP incident with Fernando Alonso

Max Verstappen (L), George Russell (R), Fernando Alonso (C) (images via IMAGO).

The Australian GP sparked controversy after the race. Fernando Alonso was penalized for ‘potentially dangerous’ driving which caused George Russell to crash out on the last lap. This penalty was followed by backlash towards FIA by many who deemed it as a racing incident. Russell was questioned regarding the entire ordeal during the Japanese GP press conference.

George Russell was questioned about his relationship with Fernando Alonso after the Australian GP incident. The Briton claimed that the two had a deep respect for one another and there were no personal grudges. Additionally, Russell mentioned that the two met in a coffee shop following the incident. While Russell gave this answer, Max Verstappen decided to intervene.

Yeah, I mean, we actually saw each other back home, just coincidentally bumped into each other in a coffee shop… No, as I said before, it's nothing personal.
George Russell told during the pre-race interview (H&T: @formula1/Instagram).
YouTube video

Max Verstappen added a hilarious comment to Russell’s reply. The reigning world champion hilariously asked the Briton if he had brake-tested Alonso at the coffee shop. George Russell simply laughed off the comment. The Mercedes driver had applauded the FIA for penalizing Alonso.

FS Video
Did you brake test him there or not?
Max Verstappen told during the pre-race interview (H&T: @formula1/Instagram).

George Russell did not discuss the incident with Fernando Alonso at the coffee shop

George Russell claimed that the two did not bring up the elephant in the room at the coffee shop. The 26-year-old did not mention the exact conversation he had with Fernando Alonso when the two crossed paths. Certainly, a discussion between the two might have been difficult considering their conflicting opinions on the incident.

No we didn't [discuss] it in the coffee shop.
George Russell noted.
Fernando Alonso and George Russell
Fernando Alonso and George Russell (Via IMAGO)

Additionally, George Russell mentioned that Alonso didn’t get him a cup of coffee. Russell claimed that getting him coffee was the least that the veteran could’ve done. However, the two drivers would like to move past the issue despite discussing it or not.

He didn't get my coffee though.... so that was probably the least that he could have.... could have happened... But no, its history now.
George Russell mentioned.

Russell’s crash was the salt in the wounds of Mercedes’ nightmare Australian GP weekend. Hence, Brackley would desperately work over the issues and try to showcase a comeback. The ground-effect era issues for the German manufacturer are quite evident in the 2024 season as well. As a result, the team would definitely work over the issues down the season and score a better finish in the championship.

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