Max Verstappen expresses ‘total loss of respect’ for F1 star George Russell in explicit tirade

MAX VERSTAPPEN has stated that he has ‘lost all respect’ for George Russell in a harsh critique.

The Red Bull racer, 27, and the British driver were caught up in an altercation during qualifying in Qatar on Saturday.

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Verstappen received a one-place grid penalty for the Qatar Grand Prix following a ruling that he drove too slowly during Q3, which forced Russell to take evasive action as he approached Verstappen’s car.

This incident placed Russell in pole position, while Verstappen was moved back to second.

Regardless, Verstappen managed to secure victory in the grand prix, overtaking Russell right at the start.

This allowed the Dutch racer to dominate the race, which was significantly interrupted by safety cars, ultimately crossing the line in first place.

After the race, Verstappen expressed his grievances towards Russell in the stewards’ room.

“I have a lot of respect for many drivers, but after last night, I completely lost that respect for him,” Verstappen told Viaplay.

“I thought it was absurd how he attempted to force a penalty on me. I was really angry at him for that.”

Verstappen went on to describe the Mercedes driver as two-faced, before unleashing an explicit tirade.

“He always portrays himself nicely in front of the cameras, but when you’re with him in person, he’s a completely different individual,” Verstappen added.

“I can’t tolerate that, and frankly, it’s better if he f***s off. I prefer to stay out of it.”

Verstappen wasn’t the only one feeling heated in Qatar.

Lewis Hamilton experienced a meltdown and had a confrontation with his team after expressing a desire to quit.

The seven-time world champion let his frustration out after sustaining a puncture and receiving a penalty in his second-to-last race with Mercedes.

Hamilton’s race engineer, Peter Bonnington, communicated via team radio: “We have got a drive-through penalty in the pit lane.”

“It appears you neglected to press the button on that initial occasion behind the Safety Car.”

Hamilton responded: “Retire the car, mate. Just park the car, mate.”

Bonnington countered: “Negative.”