Verstappen reveals Russell chat after F1 row

Max Verstappen has revealed he had a short conversation with George Russell after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The talk followed the spat the pair had through the media following an incident during qualifying in Qatar.

Verstappen took issue with Russell as he alleged the Mercedes driver heavily lobbied for the Dutchman to be handed a grid penalty for the Qatar Grand Prix.

The duo took further aim at one another at the season-ending weekend in Abu Dhabi during their Thursday media activities.

But Verstappen stated the pair shared a chat at the conclusion of Sunday’s race.

“After the race in Abu Dhabi, we talked briefly,” Verstappen told ServusTV. “But it’s okay. Next year we will start again and it will be OK.”

When it was proposed to Verstappen that the winter break will help cool tensions, Verstappen replied: “For everyone, I think.”

Next year Verstappen will go in pursuit of a fifth F1 title but will also take on a new personal responsibility as he is expecting a baby with partner Kelly Piquet.

With the child having great racing genes through Verstappen and its grandfather Nelson Piquet, Verstappen was questioned over how he was going to explain to his child that he or she should not become a world champion or a race car driver. 

“By not buying a go-kart,” he said. “Just drive on the simulator, that will do!

“We’ll see about that. You can’t say that now. We will see and there is time,” Verstappen concluded when asked if raising a race car driver was on the cards.