Russell standing firm after Verstappen clash

Mercedes’ George Russell has vowed he will not change his approach to racing after his publicised clash with a “pathetic” Max Verstappen at Baku.

One of the big flashpoints of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend was the verbal spat between Verstappen and Russell in parc ferme directly after the Sprint.

The hot topic was the contact between the Mercedes and the Red Bull at Turn 2 on the opening lap of the Saturday Sprint.

The minor contact between the pair left a hole in Verstappen’s side-pod and the Dutch was not afraid to vent his frustration post race after finishing behind Sergio Perez and Charles Leclerc.

Verstappen called Russell a “d***head” and referred to him as “Princess George” post race.

But in Miami, Russell hit back, stating Verstappen’s actions were “pathetic” highlighting the double world champion has also had his fair share of aggressive moves up the inside of other cars.

“It was all a little bit pathetic,” the #63 Brit told Sky Sports F1.

“Something you learn as a kid is that if you’re going to give something, you’ve got to be willing to take it as well.

“He has had his fair share of giving moves like that and being tough and hard at racing. It’s a little bit poor to see how he sort of spat his dummy out when it was the first time he probably got something back in the same regard.” 

Russell further revealed he has not spoken to Verstappen in the week between racing on the Baku streets and around Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium this weekend.

“From my side there is no air to be cleared,” he said.

“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. I still respect him and think he’s a great driver. 

“Things were always said in the heat of the moment. but we move on.”

When asked if Russell will back down if a similar opportunity presents itself at this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix, he stood firm.

“No. 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 it done and moved on. Obviously he was pretty upset about it but that’s racing and these things happen. 

“We are all here to fight so that’s what everyone’s about.”

Download the full F1 Miami Grand Prix event guide here with track stats and facts and a full event schedule, plus our extensive driver profiles.

2023 Miami Grand Prix schedule (all times AEST)

Saturday, May 6

Practice 1 – 4.00-5.00

Practice 2 – 7.30-8.30

Sunday, May 8

Practice 3 – 2.30-3.30

Qualifying – 6.00-7.00

Monday, May 9

Grand Prix – 5.30

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