LONDON — George Russell has stated that he will not adjust his approach to racing against Max Verstappen, despite the previous tensions that arose during last season. This comment comes as Verstappen has expressed that he has “no intention to continue any kind of beef.”
The friction between the two drivers intensified last November when Russell accused Verstappen of aggressive driving, alleging that the Dutch racer had threatened to deliberately crash into him. The conflict originated from a disagreement over a penalty that resulted in Verstappen losing his pole position during qualifying. Meanwhile, Lando Norris from McLaren indicated last week that he plans to be more assertive in his racing, adopting a strategy where he will drive with his “elbows out” against Verstappen in the coming season, following last year’s contentious encounters between them.
Russell mentioned during a press conference ahead of the Formula 1 season kick-off in London that he has not had any discussions with Verstappen since last season and holds no worries regarding his driving style. “What happened last year is in the past, and my focus now is solely on my performance,” he stated. Russell underscored that while he felt certain incidents at the end of last season crossed a line, his aim this year remains unchanged: to compete fiercely and pursue victory without altering his mindset toward either Verstappen or any other competitor.
Verstappen, when asked about Russell’s remarks, conveyed his desire to move forward and not dwell on past issues. He noted that he is currently enjoying his break from the sport and is concentrating on preparing for the upcoming season, implying that he prefers to leave the matters of the past behind.
In another significant development, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s initiative to reduce the use of profanity by Formula 1 drivers led to penalties last season for both Verstappen and Charles Leclerc. Verstappen acknowledged the need to maintain decorum but mentioned that the intense emotions associated with racing can occasionally lead to slips of the tongue. He said, “In the heat of the moment or during interviews, it can happen that you let something inappropriate slip.”
As the director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, Russell has advocated for treating drivers with respect and addressing the swearing issue maturely. Beginning in 2025, it will be possible for drivers to face suspensions or loss of championship points for repeated use of offensive language. Russell recognized the importance of maintaining professionalism in the sport, while also highlighting the challenges non-English speakers face, as their initial language lessons often revolve around swear words.
Additionally, Russell has been vocal regarding concerns surrounding leadership changes within the FIA, specifically after the dismissal of key figures like race director Niels Wittich last season. In November, he called for transparency about forthcoming changes in the FIA’s personnel.
