George Russell says he won’t race Max Verstappen any differently following the clash between the pair in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix sprint race which angered his rival.
The pair made contact at turn two shortly after the start of the race as Russell overtook the Red Bull. The collision left a substantial hole in Verstappen’s sidepod which his team said caused a “massive” disruption to his car’s handling.
Verstappen confronted Russell in parc ferme after the race and furiously criticised his rival’s driving. However the stewards did not investigate the incident and Russell said he will not change his approach if he goes up against the Red Bull driver again.
“I will continue racing the same way as I always would,” he said. “A lot has been said about that coming-together but from my side, it was pretty straightforward. I went for a move, got the move done and moved on.
“Obviously he was pretty upset about it but that’s racing and these things happen. And we’re all here to fight so that’s what everyone’s about.”
The world champion called Russell a “dickhead” after their collision and referred to him as “princess George” when speaking to Dutch media. However Russell said the pair are ready to put it behind them.
“From my side there’s no air to be cleared. I’ll welcome and say hello to him if he passes by and I’m sure we’ll shake hands when we bump into each other.
“For me it’s history now and it’s behind us. My view to him is still the same, I still respect him, I still think he’s a great driver and obviously things were always said in the heat of the moment but we move on.”
Verstappen jokingly dismissed questions about the relationship between the pair of them, calling it: “Terrible!
“No, of course not. That’s what people maybe like to hear. No, it’s absolutely fine.”
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